As Reno and Sparks deal with a crippling housing affordability crisis, it seems that our city council leaders believe criminalizing homelessness is the answer. On Wednesday January 22, 2025, the Reno City Council considered Agenda items F1-F6 which aim to criminalize sitting, laying down, and loitering in public places. These policies punitively punish the most vulnerable members of our community and do nothing to improve the housing crisis. More on that here.
In response, RSTU coordinated with other housing groups to organize community members in opposition to the proposed ordinances. Since then, we’ve seen an outpouring of support for our houseless population. Our coalition of concerned citizens submitted 183 written public comments in opposition, which constituted almost 98% of all written public comments received. A post by Family Soup Mutual Aid, shared by RSTU on Instagram, received over 650 likes and reached far more people.
One RSTU member, Ben Iness, highlighted how close many Reno renters are to losing their homes:
“For every $100 increase in rent, we see a 9% increase in the chance of becoming unhoused.”
He cited a recent report by UNLV which shows Nevada renters have the 2nd highest cost burden in the nation. Over 57% of renters are spending more than 30% of their income on rental costs. This meets the HUD definition for “cost burdened” renters. Whether we like to admit it or not, Nevada renters are slowly slipping closer to homelessness.
“Homelessness is a housing problem, not a personal or moral failing. It is devastating and difficult whenever we punish folks in response.”
Ben Iness, Reno City Council Public Comment, January 22, 2025
A Thank You to Community Members
RSTU would like to thank the many allies, community members, and concerned citizens who showed up Wednesday in-person and online to advocate for affordable housing and basic human dignity. Together, we are building an unstoppable coalition fighting for safe, dignified, and affordable housing for all.
We Need Your Help to Fight Back
The Reno Sparks Tenants Union is recruiting renters, volunteers, donors, and community leaders to join the fight for safe, dignified, and affordable housing for everyone. We invite you to get involved and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest news affecting renters in Reno.