SGV Tenant and Housing Resource Fair

Affordable housing and homelessness

San Gabriel Valley

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Renters in LA face a host of issues including the high costs of rents (the average rent is $2,122 per month, which is 38% higher than the national average) with many low-to-moderate income renters paying over 50% of their income in rent, and many being one missed rent payment from being homeless. Some common legal issues faced include unlawful evictions; rent control violations; being forced out by making housing unlivable; unlawful rent increases; substandard living conditions/health & safety issues; discrimination; lease violations; etc. Many times, these issues have simple resolutions, but tenants lack the information and tools to deal with the situation. The current increased fears across immigrant communities exacerbate these issues. These issues create an imbalance of power between landlords and tenants. Having increased access to information and resources can empower renters to resolve issues and remain housed.

HJC will organize the SGV Tenant & Housing Resource Fair to provide vital information, resources, and tools that empower San Gabriel Valley renters. This event will be developed and implemented in partnership with local tenant unions from South Pasadena, Pasadena, Alhambra, Baldwin Park, and Rosemead.
Key components include:
● On-site tenant counseling and legal assistance from housing attorneys
● Information booths from LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
● Resources from Housing Authorities and nonprofit housing developers
● Information on Housing Cooperatives and Community Land Trusts
● Support services for unhoused individuals
● Multilingual resources (English/Spanish)
● Accessibility accommodations for those with disabilities
This resource fair addresses the critical need for tenant education and empowerment in communities where many residents face housing insecurity, unlawful evictions, rent control violations, and substandard living conditions. By bringing together diverse resources in one accessible location, we'll help reduce the power imbalance between landlords and tenants, enabling more residents to resolve housing issues and remain securely housed.

The SGV Tenant & Housing Resource Fair will transform Los Angeles County by creating a robust network of informed tenants who are empowered to advocate for their rights. In the short term, we aim to provide immediate access to vital resources, legal assistance, and educational workshops that address housing challenges faced by low-income residents. This will lead to a measurable increase in tenant self-advocacy and a reduction in evictions.
Long-term, we envision expanding the fair into an annual event that serves as a model for other communities, fostering collaboration among local organizations and government agencies. By leveraging technology and community partnerships, we will create a sustainable platform for ongoing tenant education and support, ultimately contributing to systemic change in housing policies and practices across Los Angeles County. Our goal is to ensure that every tenant feels empowered, informed, and supported in their housing journey.