City and county officials working to provide resources for those facing evictions
SAN ANTONIO — As rents rise so too, are evictions.
City and county leaders are now working to keep people in their homes.
Jake Tucker and Kayla Miranda said it's impacting people across the board.
“They're not seeing their income rise, but they are seeing the cost of living for everything,” Jake Tucker with the Party for Socialism and Liberation said.
“I've seen more people that are not paying subsidies, asking for help. For my organization's numbers, say 20% increase on regular renters versus last year,” Kayla Miranda with the Coalition for tenant Justice said.
Miranda said someone she knows is seeing a $300 increase in the rent leaving them with questions about what exactly is there for them to help.
According to Zumper, a website used to find rentals, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio rose 15 percent year-to-year.
Molly Wright said she's dealt with chronic homelessness and isn't surprised with the need for help.
"Finally, I have a roommate and I have a partner. And that's the only reason why I'm not homeless," Wright said.
Thursday night Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar held an eviction prevention clinic with about 50 people present.
“We want them to know what their rights are, and what resources are out there to help them. But also for those that are property owners, that may have some renters that need to be evicted. We're showing them how to do it go about doing it the right way, so that they don't get themselves in legal trouble as well,” Sheriff Salazar said.
District Two Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez shares an office with homeless outreach coordinators and has heard them overwhelmed with calls for help.
So what city resources are there?
McKee-Rodriguez and District four Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia explain.
“We connect people with organizations like Texas Housers, and TRLA. And we try to work with organizations like SA to support as many people as possible,” McKee-Rodriguez said.
“We know what maybe nonprofits are available to help them in a situation but I had an example even last week where we were still sending one of my residents for help specifically through one of the city departments so it's not going to stop if you need help just please reach out to us,” Rocha Garcia said.
