HomeMy WebLinkAboutFelicia Jones -Public Comment - Substantial Amendment Action Plan - Coronavirus Relief Funds_RedactedFrom:
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subject:
Public Comment- Subxanoal Ama M Action Plan-Caonaana Relief firs
Date:
Tuesday, August 18, 2020 7:M:25 PM
My name is Felicia Jones and I am the Associate Director with Congregations Organized
for Prophetic Engagement (COPE), an organization based in the city of San Bernardino and
serving a membership that includes congregations and residents of the city. In the last few
months, COPE has served as a first responder providing critical aid and housing support to
families who were either displaced or fell on hard times because of the Covid 19 virus. Like many
other organizations, we were pleased to do our part to help stabilize families in whatever way we
could. However, we recognize that our help only went so far. We are deeply concerned about the
many families who will face eviction after September 1st when all the eviction protections are
gone. We don't need to wait for another crisis before we take action on behalf of the most
vulnerable citizens of this city. Federal resources can and should be used toward rent and
eviction relief for eligible citizens, regardless of immigration status, income thresholds, or
background including a conviction record, or eviction history. Therefore, we join our
partners is asking ask this body to.
Modify the language to expand the existing eviction moratorium while awaiting
additional federal resources and until a rent/eviction relief program is fully
established.
Ensure that any proposed rent relief and eviction prevention program is fair,
equitable, and effective in serving ALL families, particularly those excluded
from other rental assistance programs based on immigration status, income
thresholds, eviction history, and conviction records.
Implement an oversight committee to ensure transparency and accountability
for how city's Annual plan budgets are prioritized and used to address the
most pressing community needs.
Create opportunities for housing service agencies to be contracted to support
rent relief and eviction prevention programs.
Thank you for making every effort to keep families housed.
Felicia Jones
Associate Director
COPE