Phoenix Residents Push for Action on Evictions
In Phoenix, mothers in the Valley are urging lawmakers to respond after an ABC15 report highlighted the issue of evictions in Maricopa County.
“Reading that article about the 7,000 court cases related to evictions in just one month was a wake-up call for me,” Stephanie shared with ABC15.
Like many others, she finds herself on the brink of eviction. After leaving an abusive situation, she lost her job and has been dealing with post-traumatic stress. On top of that, her rent has significantly increased.
“Now, it’s around $2,200 monthly,” she explained.
Though she works part-time, finding affordable housing has proven challenging since she doesn’t meet income requirements for cheaper options.
Data supports her struggle; a recent study from Harvard’s Center for Housing Research reveals that 22.4 million renters nationwide—about half of all renters—spend over 30% of their income on housing.
A Zillow report indicates that an individual in Phoenix now needs to earn about $70,000 annually to afford rent, a jump from $50,000 in 2020.
That’s why Stephanie is appealing to lawmakers for change. “People are in distress,” she noted. “We can discuss these issues endlessly, but without an actionable plan, nothing will improve. It’s time to take action.”
She has reached out to Democrat Senators Reuben Gallego and Mark Kelly, along with Republican Representative Andy Biggs. Following inquiries from ABC15, Stephanie got responses from Gallego and Kelly’s offices, and she even met with a case manager who heard her concerns.
Still, she’s seeking more assistance. “If I can secure a part-time job in the afternoons or weekends, I could manage my expenses, find a more affordable place, and pay my bills. That’s what I’m hoping for,” she stated.
Having submitted many job applications and holding a solid background in data analysis, she is on the lookout for any leads in that field.
Additionally, Stephanie serves on the board of directors for Legal Finder, a local nonprofit that supports victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in need of help, seek guidance from resources in your area.
