Residents of Paramount are raising urgent concerns about rising rents and the need for rent control measures during a recent city council meeting. Advocates from the Elijah Mobile Home Park, including Constancion Hernandez Sanchez and Jose Sanchez, highlighted the struggles faced by community members, particularly the elderly and low-income families, who are grappling with increasing housing costs.

Hernandez Sanchez shared poignant stories from her neighbors, emphasizing the emotional toll of financial strain and the fear of eviction. She called for the city council to implement rent stabilization policies to alleviate the burden on residents who are unable to keep up with escalating rents. \"We're all suffering through rent... these are people who are older, older men, older people,\" she stated, urging the council to take action.

Jose Sanchez echoed these sentiments, stressing the urgency of addressing the rent crisis at a local level. He noted that while the state may move slowly, the city must prioritize this issue and keep it on the agenda for future meetings. \"We would like to respectfully ask the city to listen to the stories and acknowledge the need for action,\" he said.

Maribel Hernandez, another resident, described the impact of gentrification and economic eviction on families in the community. She articulated the struggles of single mothers and elderly residents who are being forced to choose between basic necessities and housing. \"It's either work or be homeless,\" she lamented, calling for the council to protect tenants' rights and consider the implementation of rent control measures.

The speakers collectively urged the city council to recognize the importance of rent stabilization in fostering community stability and preventing homelessness. They emphasized that such measures could provide financial security for tenants, allowing them to plan for the future without the fear of sudden rent hikes.

As the meeting concluded, the advocates expressed gratitude for the opportunity to voice their concerns and urged the council to take decisive action to support the residents of Paramount.