Residents of Elijah Mobile Home Park voiced urgent concerns during a recent government meeting, highlighting issues of harassment and exorbitant rent increases under new ownership. Maria Bele Diaz, a resident, described a distressing situation where the new owner is attempting to triple the rent, causing significant anxiety among tenants. Diaz, who lives alone and struggles with health issues, expressed fears of becoming homeless if the rent hike proceeds.

The meeting featured multiple speakers from the same mobile home park, including Nelson Sanchez, who advocated for rent stabilization measures. Sanchez shared stories of elderly residents facing financial strain due to rising rents, emphasizing the emotional toll it takes on them. He recounted conversations with residents who, despite their limited means, wish to afford basic necessities like groceries.

Another resident, Concepcion Sanchez, spoke in Spanish, calling for rent control to protect vulnerable tenants from being priced out of their homes. The collective testimonies underscored a pressing need for local government intervention to address the escalating housing crisis faced by mobile home residents.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from officials to consider the residents' pleas for rent stabilization, reflecting a growing awareness of the challenges faced by low-income tenants in the community.