On Nov. 1st, just in time for the holidays and the rains, 71 elderly and vulnerable people will lose their low-income housing at the St. George Apartments in downtown Santa Cruz, unless something can be done to stop rent increases of 75% to 200%.

We are asking the Green Valley Corporation to join this conversation, to postpone these increases for at least 90-days, and to work on a solution with faith communities, local groups, elected officials, housing programs, and St. George residents.

“Mary” – not her real name - is 69 years old and has lived in the St. George Apartments for more than a decade. She has a part-time job but lives on a very limited fixed income. The below market rate has made it possible for her to get by, but on Nov. 1st her rent will increase roughly 250%, which will still be below market rate. She does not have any place to go that she can afford, and she will become homeless.

The St. George complex, located at 833 Front Street, has 122 early 20th century single room occupancy units which will go on the market for up $1,795 a month. There are also two two-bedroom units and 60,000 square feet of ground floor retail space.

The St. George Apartments are in an ideal location, in good condition, and close to shopping, restaurants, and transportation.

There are potential long-term solutions, such as finding a non-profit organization to purchase the property. As we understand it, the Green Valley Corp. does not appear to be interested in selling it. There could also be a short-term fix which would limit rent increases for these tenants until they voluntarily move out or suitable arrangements can be made.

In 1991, the City of Santa Cruz used Loma Prieta earthquake rebuilding funds to loan the San Jose-based Green Valley Corp. money to rebuild the units after a fire. As far as we can figure out, Swenson Builders is a subsidiary of the Green Valley Corp.. This partial loan was part of a broader effort to rebuild affordable housing for people displaced by the earthquake. In exchange for the funding, the developer agreed to keep the units affordable for 30 years. In 2021 the agreement was extended for two years. In 2023, Green Valley Corp. gave residents a year’s notice of the pending increases effective Nov. 1, 2024.

As members of the Santa Cruz Association of Faith Communities (AFC) and Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action (COPA), we represent over 30 faith communities in Santa Cruz County. We work to fill gaps in the social safety net. AFC, founded in 2010, provides food, shelter, safe parking and case management for individuals and families who are unhoused. COPA is a grassroots community organizing alliance of non-profits, community organizations, and some businesses supporting low-income people dealing with eviction, dangerous substandard housing, and food insecurity, in addition to supporting access to healthcare and providing immigration assistance.

As organizations committed to fostering a more compassionate and inclusive Santa Cruz, we strongly urge Green Valley Corp. to work with us to prevent the needless displacement of dozens of our vulnerable neighbors.

This Guest Commentary was written with the support of Judy Hutchison, Association of Faith Communities Board Chair, Holy Cross Catholic Church, Santa Cruz, and the following: Rev James Lapp, St Stephens Lutheran Church, Santa Cruz; Rev Dr. Randolfo Pozos, Deacon, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Santa Cruz; Deacon Patrick Conway, Resurrection Catholic Church, Aptos; Rabbi Paula Marcus, Temple Beth El, Aptos; Rabbi Rick Litvak, Emeritus, Temple Beth El, Aptos; Pastor Kangse Lee, United Methodist Church Santa Cruz; Rev Peggy Bryan, Calvary Episcopal Church, Santa Cruz; The Rev. Katherine B. Doar, St Philip the Apostle Episcopal Church, Scotts Valley; and Jeremiah Fair, Lead Pastor, Community Covenant Church of Scotts Valley.