Josefina Barrantes, EPIC — August 22, 2023 — My partner and I struggle to find housing

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    Hello!
    My name is Josefina Barrantes and I am a recent graduate of Cal Poly Humboldt and resident of Arcata for the past 6 years. I am reaching out to voice my support for the Gateway plan. We need housing in Arcata and the plan needs to be approved as soon as possible. My partner and I struggle to find housing even though we have well‐paying jobs and excellent rental history. During the 6 years I’ve lived in Arcata I have lived in 7 different places (one of which was from a slumlord). Students and other community members of Arcata deserve a fair shot at decent, safe, affordable, and warm housing. With the student population increasing at an alarming rate, approving projects like the Gateway Plan shouldn’t be something that is debated. It is selfish to value the “preservation of character” of our town instead of the livelihood and safety of its community members. It is classist and puts aesthetics over human lives.
    I appreciate the City Council and Planning Commission for all the care and hard work that you put into the community. I hope that the decisions made at the meeting later tonight reflect that.
    Sincerely,
    Josefina
    ‐‐
    Josefina Barrantes
    30×30 Coordinator
    Environmental Protection Information Center