Meet Marina—Both Landlady & Tenant (Story 39/40)

We’ve introduced you to many neighbors struggling to stay housed, but Marina is unique.

“My background is in property management and that’s my work now, so I’ve seen both sides of the work. Property managers and landlords want sustainable housing, and vulnerable tenants should be protected—I’ve experienced both.”

Marina felt the impact of COVID, both as a renter and a property manager, and she especially empathizes with low income residents struggling to make rent during a pandemic:

“I had to take temporary work but still couldn’t make my rent. I called the 211 hotline over and over and couldn’t get help, in fact I rarely got someone to pick up. Then I called you guys and Cristobal answered right away and got me help. It was honestly encouraging just having someone pick up the phone and listen to me.”

Thanks to eviction prevention donors, Marina received a small grant to help her make rent for another month, buying her time to get back on her feet and stay housed.

“Working as a property manager during COVID, I’ve seen how insane things have gotten for renters. Evictions are out of control, and we have to do more. We have to be able to work together, both property owners and tenants, so we can make this work for both sides. Tenants are people, not just numbers, and there are clear ways to protect and care for them. Don’t give up.”

That was Marina’s final encouragement: don’t give up. If you’re discouraged by evictions, a lack of tenant protections, an oppressive housing market, and a rise in homelessness, please donate to our eviction prevention work. Every dollar helps keep people housed and off the streets, and it’s proven to work!