Young Fresno residents demand city officials act on housing security | Opinion

I spent six weeks over the summer going door-to-door, talking to residents in Fresno‘s District 7 about the issues community members are most concerned about. A recurring theme rang loud and clear: Fresno residents are deeply affected by economic hardship, struggling to choose between paying rent and bills.

I learned that many people are not using their air conditioners or lights to save on their utility bills. One resident kept their air conditioner off for a month but was still barely able to afford their bills. Two senior veterans with disabilities kept their windows and doors open to cool off from the region’s triple-digit heat.

I was born and raised in Fresno, and the difficult, money-saving choices my neighbors are forced to make resonate with me deeply. I currently work two jobs and still live with my parents because moving out is not an option. My dad works full-time and my mom is on disability. My financial contributions are necessary to help us all just barely get by.

Housing is one of our most basic needs, yet we’ve seen more people face housing instability as our expenses continue to rise while our income remains the same. More than 65% of renter households in Fresno County pay unaffordable rents, and more than half of Fresno State students are housing insecure.

But despite the growing economic and housing precarity of so many people, the City of Fresno recently lost its pro-housing designation because it failed to meet the housing needs of residents in a timely manner. As a result, Fresno is no longer eligible for millions of dollars in state funding for housing development. At a time when we need our city leaders to do more for their residents, this loss will worsen our housing crisis.

Where is the urgency from our city leaders for real solutions?

The good news is that the Fresno City Council put $2.5 million into the Local Housing Trust Fund to support building, renovating and preserving affordable housing, transitional housing and emergency shelters. But the city can and must do more. Our elected leaders don’t have to wait for things to get worse before taking action.

One housing policy that has proven to be successful to keep people housed is the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, which gives tenants the first chance to buy their homes when landlords decide to sell. This creates stability, prevents displacement and stops homelessness before it starts. Implementing this act in Fresno would give renters a sense of security and control over their housing situation.

The City Council should allocate at least $1 million specifically for the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. We also need more funding for eviction prevention programs because once families are forced out, it’s too late.

Spending my summer talking with my neighbors made me realize that we’re all in the same boat — we need housing stability and economic relief. These connections have inspired me to take action, attend city council meetings and push for immediate solutions. Our stories are also a stark reminder that we need long-term sustainable solutions.

Fresno city officials have a responsibility to prevent the cycle of eviction, displacement and homelessness that so many of us face by investing in prevention. Affordable housing policies are one of the most significant actions our local leaders can take to keep Fresno residents housed.

Addressing the worsening housing crisis for residents means that young people like me can support our families while building our futures. For my community, it would mean not having to fear rent hikes or being pushed out of places we’ve always called home. Housing is a human right, and we deserve policies that reflect that.

Domaris Cid is a member of Power California, a non-profit civic engagement organization, a Fresno resident and a student at Fresno City College.