Correspondence - #33 - Laserfiche WebLink

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J 33 To City Council, Hello and thank you for this opportunity to speak with all of you. I am Vanessa Gonzales and I am part of parent leader groups such as Santa Ana Early Learning Initiative, the national Parent Leader Network, both for which I have been privileged to be a steering committee member for, and I have also become a certified trainer for Community Organizing and Family Issues. I live in a rent controlled 3 bedroom 2 bath affordable housing apartment. My family of five has been so blessed to live comfortably in an affordable housing unit for almost 11 years. Unfortunately, there is not enough affordable housing available. Unfortunately, many do not qualify or have quick easy access to the required documents to apply for affordable housing. It hurts my heart and soul everytime I hear of my friends struggling because their rent went up $100 dollars or even more, not just once... but a couple times a year when their finances were already so tight to begin with. It is hard to hear about families being sick due unhealthy conditions of their homes, but with nowhere else affordable to go. The idea of someone getting evicted for even speaking up about rent increases or normal needed maintenance causes great anxiety for many, now imagine being that person or family... I think we can all agree that it is a great desire for Santa Ana to thrive like many other great cities in Orange County, but we can't forget that Santa Ana is not like other cities in Orange County. It is unique and the majority of its people have unique needs. The Maslow theory points out that we have basic needs that need to be met in order to continue succeeding. The majority of Santa Ana is struggling at this very second to fulfill those basic needs such as an adequate, healthy, and affordable residence. I stand here in hopes of helping to represent our many SAELI families and countless others in Santa who do not get their voice heard for various reasons like work, families, and worst of all a fear. Santa Ana is supposed to be a sanctuary city, All who struggle right now and need rent control may not have a lot of money, but do contribute largely to the city sales tax revenue. Santa Ana renters need to be heard, considered, and feel safe in the hands of those who represent them. You have all been voted in to take your seats on this council and we come to you, a direct source of power, and seek your help. We have bits and pieces of understanding in housing developments, city revenue, and all the choices you make for Santa Ana. We can be sure that all those items will continue on and help improve the city. -- But right now, we desperately need you to hear our small, yet mighty, voices and consider offering the help we are asking for. We ask that you please be the city council members that can provide a great hope of change in such hard times for so many. Little children and families are being affected„ and although they are resilient, they should not have to face things that you, personally, can have a say in. We hope you can help the many people who need you. If you can really support us In item 33 of rent control and just cause, we would love to congratulate and celebrate with you. Thank you for your time, council members. Vaned.e,a Go-n1alee, -- N4,ont toad" . Sifetl. Aff, COFT, Xadtets^