This letter features reporting from “Renters Are in Revolt. This Tenant Union Plans To Get Them Organized” Isabel Evans, Marley Cogan, and Charlotte Alter
Dear Mayor Maria G. Marino of Palm Beach County,
I am Shaneir Williams, a student at Miami Norland Senior High School. The issue I’m addressing is the housing crisis in the United States. Across the United States, renters are forced out of their homes as housing costs rise. According to “Renters Are in Revolt,” a Pulitzer Center-supported article from TIME, “landlords filed more than 1 million evictions in just ten states, and the average U.S. rent has increased by 18% over the past five years.” Cities like Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami have seen some of the biggest increases in rent and eviction rates. The article also explains that corporate landlords are buying properties owned by small landlords, making housing even less affordable for average people. This issue is important because stable housing is essential for people’s safety, health, security, and well-being, yet it’s becoming increasingly hard to get.
I personally experienced the effects of the housing crisis while living in West Palm Beach, Florida. In 2022, my family and I almost faced eviction from our apartment complex after rent prices increased and several of our neighbors were forced to leave. At the time, Palm Beach County experienced one of the highest rent hikes in South Florida, with prices rising as high as 30% in 2021. I remember helping my mom and stepdad look for a new place at just 13 years old, but it was difficult to find anything affordable. That experience showed me how stressful and uncertain maintaining stable housing can be for many renters. Even though I now live in Miami, I’m still motivated to advocate for stronger renter protections in Palm Beach County.
Groups for tenant advocacy have proved that providing legal support to renters reduces eviction numbers significantly. For instance, KC Tenants in Kansas City, Missouri, mentioned in the Pulitzer Center-supported story, “have blocked thousands of evictions in Kansas City, won tens of millions of dollars of city funding for long-term affordable housing, and grown their ranks to nearly 10,000 members.” Their advocacy eventually led to the establishment of the Right to Counsel program in Kansas City, which ensures that renters have legal representation and guidance. A more local example is the St. Petersburg Right to Counsel Pilot Program. It guarantees tenants facing eviction access to free legal representation, helping residents stay in their homes and avoid unnecessary evictions.
Inspired by these successes, Palm Beach County could implement a similar program. By offering legal support, resources, and representation directly to tenants, reducing evictions and the stress and hardships that come with them. This program would not only protect renters but also maintain the county’s communities, education, and local economy. Implementing a Right to Counsel for Palm Beach County would be an effective way to address the housing crisis locally, ensuring families can stay in their homes without eviction hardships while supporting school enrollment numbers, small businesses, and the communities of Palm Beach County.
In conclusion, the housing crisis continues to affect families across the country, and Palm Beach County is no exception. Every day, Palm Beach County residents face eviction due to a lack of legal knowledge and resources to defend themselves. A Right to Counsel program would not only protect renters but also strengthen the community by keeping more families in stable housing. When families aren’t forced out of their homes, children stay in school, neighborhoods stay connected, and small businesses survive. By supporting a Right to Counsel program, Palm Beach County can set a standard for fair housing and create a chance at stability for everyone.
Sincerely,
Shaneir Williams
Shaneir Williams is a junior at Miami Norland Senior High in Miami, Florida. Born in Jamaica, she is passionate about reading, writing, and conducting research on social and human rights issues. Shaneir aspires to become a lawyer dedicated to advocating for justice and promoting human rights. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is committed to raising awareness and creating positive change in her community through advocacy and thoughtful engagement.
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