HomeMy WebLinkAboutSonya Gray-Hunn - Allocation of Federal Funds_sanitized
Greetings, my name is Sonya Gray-Hunn, and I am a 30 year + resident and a concerned citizen
of San Bernardino city and the Program // Housing Coordinator with the Congregations
Organized for Prophetic Engagement, C.O.P..E
There are concerns about the allocation of federal funds received by the city to address
emergency solutions in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. I am requesting complete
transparency of how the funds so far have been applied to serve those with the greatest needs
within our city.
Many families will be faced with an eviction or foreclosures due to loss of employment, health
problems, caring for loved ones, and even supporting distance learning for school-age children
when there are no longer protections after September 1st. The concern for an increase in
homelessness and displacement is a crisis that must be addressed now.
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 ask that 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, income thresholds, and
background status.
• Implement an oversight committee to ensure transparency and accountability for
how the 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.
In closing, I thank you and trust the Mayor and City Council will set aside any biases that would
prevent them from serving those who they should be serving; our community members.