Public Speak Out Against Outrageous Rent Increases

SAN JOSE, Calif. - July 18, 2013 - PRLog -- Now is the time for Section 8 tenants and all people of conscience to stand up for what is right. There is a meeting to speak out at the Housing Authority this Wednesday, July 23 during the public comment period at 9:30 am in San Jose.

The gathering is intended to let the commissioners know that their rent increases have gone too far. The news media will be alerted and the message is set for public consumption. Recent San Jose California rent increases are unnecessary, unfair, immoral, and must be reversed!

At a time when Silicon Valley corporations are making near-record profits, the poorest people in the Valley are receiving unconscionable rent increases. 17,000 notices went out last week to residents on the Section 8 program informing them of their new rents and lower voucher sizes, based on the recent sequester by the Federal government. Some people have received increases of $71, $139, $745, $800, and one family even $910.

These rent increases are disrupting families and tearing apart people's lives. Yet so far there has been no news coverage and no outcry. When the sequester impacted the local patent office, the newspaper wrote editorials and congress members took action. So far there has been no action to save families.

Anyone receiving a smaller voucher size, and anyone with a disability requiring a separate bedroom, by all means apply for a reasonable accommodation. If a child needs a separate room, be sure to ask the doctor to specify a separate bedroom when he or she fills out the form.

If someone has a mental health issue, they will be able to get advice and assistance about filling out a reasonable accommodation form from Mental Health Advocacy Project at 408-280-2420. Families that do not have mental health issues,  can get help from Fair Housing Law Project at 408-280-2453. Also, there is a 90 day hardship exemption from the rent increase that everyone should apply for.

Media Contact Sandy Perry by email at perrysandy@aol.com