HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaribel Nunez_sb city council Public comments_ non agenda item CDBG and ESG CV funds for rental assistance_redactedSixth Ward: Mayor Pro Tem Bessine L. Richard
Seventh Ward: James L. Mulvihill
San Bernardino City Council:
We, the undersigned, in collaboration with regional community organizations, respectfully urge the
San Bernardino City Council, to develop a coordinated rent relief payment program with landlords
and residential tenants. At the State level, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of
emergency and recommended for a moratorium against evictions. As result, it is upto the cities
and county to clarify and provide those landlord and rent protections. Most renters are not going to
know that there is a court ordered moratorium on evictions in place or that they were required to
submit a letter to their landlord. The National Multifamily Housing Council reports that 31% of
renters, nationwide, have not paid their April rent. The majority of renters do not fight an eviction in
court and will simply comply with a notice from a landlord. The number of reported people who
have been out of work because of the epidemic and the economic crisis is going to grow even
more in the coming weeks. The number of people that are going to be made homeless because of
this will be staggering when the moratorium on evictions ends and people who have been out of
work for months are required to come up with back rent. As the City of San Bernardino, we
should have the economic incentive for people to stay in their homes. We have some of our San
Bernardino residents that are employed or under employed that have the opportunity to work as
teleworkers. By having them be able to stay in their homes, will allow them to work from home.
Some of the suggested solutions and language drawn from other jurisdictions is below. We urge
you to join other jurisdictions.
We ask at the San Bernardino City level to pass an ordinance that will do the following:
Through new Community Development Block Grants Covid Virus and Emergency Solutions
Grant Covid Virus related funds to create a San Bernardino City level rent relief program
for landlords for residential tenants that have been financially impacted due to COVID 19
administrative asks 1) smooth application process that is inclusive for all San Bernardino
community residents 2) when using the ESG and CDBG CV funds for rental assistance
program, simplify the requirements (Housing Habitability Form) that doesn't include going
into homes and checking their water, their windows and rodents
Best,
Maribel Nunez
Inland Equity Partnership Executive Director