Nearly three hundred people attended the event: “Stable Families, Stable Neighborhoods”, developed by the -MOC- Marin Organizing Committee, in the City of San Rafael last Wednesday, August 9. The issue of access to decent housing and the indiscriminate increase in incomes faced by communities living in Marin County was the subject. According to figures offered by that committee there are 95,000 renters in Marin, which means 36% of the county’s total population.
The MOC has worked on this issue since 2008, motivated by constant abuse by homeowners and apartments. Throughout the years you have heard and compiled the different stories of abuses with the aim of making the situation visible and put it at the table of discussion of the County authorities, to influence the proposal and approval of policies that result in a favorable solution for the affected population. Low-income, senior citizens and people with special abilities are among those most affected by this situation that brings with it other collateral problems that impact the health, emotional stability and development of County residents, especially The Latino community that sees in deterioration the quality of life of their families; forcing them to seek two or even three jobs to enable them to cope with the situation. The increase in rent is alarming, a 2 bedroom apartment and a bathroom in 2011 cost around $1,815, currently quoted at $3,435, according to data expressed at the event. The minimum wage in California is $10.50 per hour.
The event was attended by Supervisor Damon Connolly District 1 and Supervisor Katie Rice, District 2; Who pledged to the audience to follow up on the issue.
From left to right: Cristina García, Project Service for Parents; Supervisor Damon Connolly; Supervisor Katie Rice; Suzanne Walker, St. Vincent de Paul Society.