Residents urge Corona Council to address mobile home park rent hikes and homelessness

During the recent City Council meeting in Corona, residents voiced urgent concerns regarding the need for mobile home parks and the rising threat of homelessness in the community. The discussions highlighted the significant role that manufactured homes play in providing affordable housing and supporting the local economy.

One resident passionately shared their personal experiences, emphasizing that the fight for mobile home park recognition began in 2015. They expressed deep emotional distress over witnessing neighbors facing homelessness, underscoring the human impact of housing instability. The resident pointed out that manufactured homes account for 44.2% of all affordable housing in Corona, yet the city has only identified a mere 18 to 24 affordable housing units without including these vital homes in their inventory.

The resident's presentation revealed that manufactured home owners contribute over a million dollars annually in taxes, similar to traditional homeowners. However, they warned that increasing lot rents are eroding the affordability of these homes, putting over 1,400 residents at risk of homelessness. This situation not only affects individual families but also has broader implications for the local economy, as rising rents lead to decreased discretionary spending among residents.

Another speaker, Steve Husner from Linda Mobile Home Park, expanded on these points, stressing that without a rent stabilization ordinance, the financial burden on mobile home residents will continue to grow. He noted that most park owners are large, nonlocal corporations, which further complicates the issue as profits are extracted from the community rather than reinvested locally.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a pressing need for the City Council to address affordable housing and consider the inclusion of manufactured homes in their housing strategies. As the city grapples with state mandates for affordable housing, residents are calling for action to preserve existing affordability and protect vulnerable community members from the threat of homelessness. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the future of housing in Corona, impacting the lives of many residents.