Local Groups Hosting Two Tenant Assistance Workshops

The San Gabriel Valley Tenants Alliance is hosting two workshops for people hoping to access funding to help pay rent and bills to forestall eviction.

The state has committed $5.2 billion dollars from the Federal Government to be distributed through Housing is Key.

The program started by Gov. Gavin Newson provides financial assistance for rent and utilities to income-eligible California renters and their landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19.

The state’s eviction moratorium is due to end on Oct. 1.

Lake Avenue Church and the San Gabriel Valley Tenants’ Alliance will host the first workshop from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the La Pintoresca Park computer lab.

To register for that event, visit https://forms.gle/AKkhAWfrvaPfvgrY6

Attendees are asked to bring documents and a USB drive to the workshop if technology help is needed. Necessary documents include a copy of the lease agreement/housing paperwork, even if expired; landlord and/or management contact information; utility bills; any records of rent and utility payments; tax forms (W-2; 1099; etc); pay stubs/proof of income; bank account statements; other documents that can support claims of impact by COVID-19 may be required.

A second meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday. The online meeting will cover basic tenant rights, the Tenant Protection Act, and the end of the eviction protections on September 30th. Registration for this event: https://bit.ly/KYRSept9

“Housing prices are only increasing, and fast,” according to a statement released on Thursday by the San Gabriel Valley Tenants Alliance. “With the pending expiration of California’s eviction moratorium, many tenants will be facing the stark reality of homelessness. People owe back rent, rent funds are currently glacially slow, and many tenants’ rents are being raised. It is an aggressive business and that is showing up as a literal rent burden for thousands, if not millions, of tenants. In fact, a recent report by Accountable reveals increased CEO pay and boasts of strong growth in profits to investors.”

For more information or to volunteer, write to: SGVTenants@gmail.com