HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/20/2024 Item Public Comment, Stillwell
Shawna Stillwell <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Public Comment Submission 08/20/24
Attachments:Revised Public Comment 08_20_2024 to the SLO City Council, advocating for SLOTU
& Proposition 33 (1).pdf
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Date of the meeting (August 20,2024)
Item number (4. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA).
1
Hello Mayor Stewart and City Council Members.My name is Shawna Stillwell and I am
a member of the San Luis Obispo Tenants Union.I want to thank City staff for producing the
recent Public Memorandum on Renter Protections,and the recent email blast on tenant
protections.I found the information regarding instituting local rent control ordinances very
helpful.However,we believe this section lacks detail and needs to be expanded upon.I believe
information regarding the growth of housing inventory in SLO was overlooked and there were
no suggestions made in order for SLO to acquire more low-income housing or prevent corporate
landlords from growing their inventories.I ask that the Council direct staff to develop solutions
for these issues.
Nearly nine years ago,at the beginning of my recovery journey,influential local leaders
assured me that my personal testimony would one day change lives.Since then,my mission has
been to help create a more equitable society where everyone in our community cannot only
survive addiction,homelessness,and mental health struggles,but recover and thrive,and
hopefully radicate these societal issues.This begins with meeting the most essential
needs—starting with the security of a safe and affordable home.At 16 after becoming a
homeless child facing the world on my own,with no adult supervision,I managed to secure a
studio apartment in Santa Maria,paying $400 a month—a feat that is beyond impossible in
today’s market.Years later during the pandemic,I faced another housing crisis when the county
deemed my fifth-wheel trailer illegal,leaving me just 24 hours to vacate.Without the kindness of
my landlords and my knowledge of navigating the housing system,I would have been homeless
once again.Data has shown that without stable housing,it’s impossible to effectively address
issues like addiction,homelessness,and the mental health crisis that plagues our city,county,
state,and nation.Without a safe place to call home,individuals cannot be expected to be able to
begin their path to recovery.
Recent data shows that 65%of our city’s residents are renters and rely on your action in
order to advance our living conditions.It is for these reasons that I ask you to pass more robust
tenant protections so that no matter where we live,what we look like,who we love,how we
vote,or what health and disability issues we face,we all possess safe,secure,and affordable
housing.
Thank you
Shawna Stillwell,SLOTU
1921 Santa Barbara Ave
B
SLO,CA 93401
1.
805-310-9013
shawnastillwell76@gmail.com