Low-income tenants spoke out Tuesday during a rally at This Is the Place Monument about what they described as "Utah's housing crisis."
They were backed by representatives from the State Housing Anti-Discrimination unit and Deborah Hendricks of JEDI Women (Justice, Economic Dignity and Independence for Women).The group chose to make their pleas at the monument because they said the Mormon pioneers faced many trials over their religious beliefs and came to Utah to escape discrimination. Participants said it was ironic to find that, 149 years later, Utah is not free from discrimination toward renters who are single parents, elderly or disabled.
Hendricks said "(JEDI Women) are very concerned that HUD is reducing funding for low-income housing, which will result in putting more families and vulnerable elderly people on the streets."
Many of the people in attendance held signs with slogans such as "A place to live is a place to start," and "Viaduct sweet viaduct."
Barbara Toomer, who uses a wheelchair, said she is concerned about the rising costs of rent and about landlords who get away with discrimination against the disabled. "One of every two Americans will be disabled for six months or longer some time in their life," she said. "We are you - and you can easily become one of us."
Toomer suggested that the state provide more funding for discrimination testers and more education for landlords on tenants rights.
Alta Horsley, 89, lives in government subsidized housing and told of discrimination against the elderly. "When I first moved into my apartment, they warned me not to ever touch any of the light bulbs," Horsley said. "Then when one of them burned out; they didn't get around to replacing it for four days."
A bystander added that it is very dangerous for an elderly person to be left in the dark for four days.
Some of those in attendance didn't agree with the speeches. One woman began yelling "baloney!" at claims that HUD is reducing funding for low-income housing.
The group suggested that Utah should institute a citizens commission to provide counsel to government officials. They also called on the state to train more landlords and tenants about unlawful discrimination practices.