Salem, OR – In mid-November, dozens of residents from the Terrace Lake Park senior mobile home community in Salem gathered at the park’s shared clubhouse to voice their concerns to local elected officials. Their primary message: the need for rent limits to protect seniors from increasing housing costs.
The event, which saw a large turnout of concerned tenants, was a call for action in response to rising rents in the community, which has long been home to retirees and low-income individuals. Residents spoke passionately about the financial strain that rent hikes have placed on their already limited budgets, stressing that many of them live on fixed incomes and can no longer afford the soaring costs of living in the park.
“I’ve lived here for over 15 years,” said one long-term resident, “and every year, it feels like the rent goes up, but my income doesn’t. We’re not asking for much, just a fair place to live.”
The residents’ testimonies highlighted the difficulties of finding affordable housing in the area, especially for seniors who may not have the mobility or resources to move elsewhere. Many residents expressed concerns that without intervention, they could soon be forced out of their homes.
The community’s mobilization has sparked a broader conversation about rent control in Salem and the challenges faced by those living in mobile home parks. While rent control laws vary by location, some cities in Oregon have introduced similar measures in an effort to combat housing instability. Advocates for rent limits argue that they are a necessary tool to prevent displacement and to ensure that seniors and low-income residents have access to stable, affordable housing.
Local elected officials listened closely to the tenants’ testimonies, expressing sympathy for their plight. Some officials acknowledged the growing affordability crisis in Salem and pledged to explore potential solutions to help preserve affordable housing options for seniors and other vulnerable populations.
As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen whether the voices of Terrace Lake Park residents will lead to tangible change. However, their collective effort has already brought greater awareness to the issue of mobile home rent increases and the need for stronger protections for renters.
For now, the residents of Terrace Lake Park continue to hold out hope that their calls for rent limits will be heard and acted upon, ensuring a secure and affordable future for their community.
