A burgeoning housing crisis in Stockton has mobilized renters and advocates to announce the establishment of a tenants union this Wednesday. Spearheaded by the nonprofit organization, Faith in the Valley, the union seeks to confront escalating housing costs, a shortage of affordable housing, and a surge in evictions that have put numerous residents at risk.
Zonnie Thompson, a community organizer with Faith in the Valley, emphasized, "The challenges of rising costs and limited housing have left many tenants vulnerable, threatening the very fabric of our community." He also pointed out the exacerbation of these issues after the COVID-19 eviction moratoriums were lifted, with new landlords taking over properties, increasing rents, enforcing evictions, and neglecting property maintenance, particularly in low-income areas.
Local resident Sha'lena McCoy shared her personal ordeal, describing how a change in property management at her long-term apartment complex has led to unwarranted evictions, raised rents, and additional fees. "The new management assumes we don't know our rights and that we won't fight," McCoy said, reflecting the sentiment of many tenants who feel pressured to vacate their homes.
Thompson, representing the union's stance, urged state legislators to endorse Senate Bill 567, which aims to impose stricter limits on rent hikes and shut down loopholes that enable landlords to evict residents for the sake of rent augmentation. Furthermore, the union's demands at the municipal level include a "Tenant Bill of Rights", regulations on rent increments, and a collaborative approach between renters, leaders, and the council to "reimagine housing in Stockton."
Concluding the announcement, Thompson issued a clarion call: "It's time for our local policymakers and community leaders to step up and advocate for comprehensive tenant protection measures. Only then can we navigate out of this challenging situation."
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK
