SPOKANE, Wash. — Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that residents were given less than two months notice of the rent increase.
People living at the Catholic Charities' owned Cathedral Plaza are speaking out about a drastic rent increase.
About 20 people who live at the downtown property received the notices that were dated April 25.
"This is the notice of rent increase. And it's gone up double what it was. It's $1,168. And it was $654. So it's gonna make it really hard for me to pay any other bills I might have," Cathedral Plaza resident Kristine Gross said.
Gross will soon have to pay nearly double her rent starting July 1.
"It leaves me like $200 a month to live on," Gross said.
Catholic Charities said 14 of their Eastern Washington properties are seeing rent increases for some of their tenants. According to Catholic Charities, the rent increase will help pay for the maintenance of buildings, insurance and case workers, among other things. They also mentioned a increase of insurance cost by 80%.
"This rent increases gonna really tap me out," Gross said. "I won't be able to afford my car for one thing. My car's gonna go."
On top of the drastic increase, Gross and others were frustrated at the short notice. Many received rent increase notices just earlier this month.
"It's something I can't afford, because I live on a fixed income," Cathedral Plaza resident Margarita Visvydas said.
Visvydas is also seeing a nearly double increase in rent. She doesn't want to leave the Cathedral Plaza.
"I don't really want to move out because I like living downtown," Visvydas said.
KREM 2 reached out to Catholic Charities for comment on the increases and issued the following statement:
Catholic Housing Communities (CHC) is committed to providing safe, high quality, and affordable housing opportunities for families, seniors, veterans, and other people across Eastern Washington. Residents in some of our housing communities have been notified of rent increases that will become effective in 2024. The decision to adjust rents is driven by the need to ensure our properties are well-maintained and are aligned to the highest standards of safety, equity, and livability for residents. To make certain residents have ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss these changes, we are holding all-resident meetings in every building where residents may be affected by rent increases. Our staff are also going door to door for in-person contact with residents regarding the notices.
In many cases, these increases will be fully covered by the vouchers that pay portions of a resident’s monthly rent. In those cases the amounts residents contribute directly will remain unchanged. We also celebrate the achievements of our residents, and we recognize that many have experienced increases in their income due to the stability they have realized from our housing and supportive services. In instances where residents’ income has changed, their rents will be adjusted following the guidelines set by applicable federal subsidy programs. This approach reflects our dedication to maintaining fair and equitable housing communities that create access and connection to services while empowering individual/family growth and financial stability.
Residents have been notified that if they experience financial hardship due to rent changes, they should contact their Property Manager to discuss options tailored to their specific situation. These changes will close the gap between current voucher rates and actual operating costs, ensuring our housing can remain viable, affordable, and accessible to people in Eastern Washington for decades to come.
Catholic Charities said it is required by law to notify residents at least 60 days before a rental increase. The letter was sent to residents on April 25. The organization says they were in compliance with the law.
The organization did say it did not want to put anyone out of housing. Catholic Charities is willing to work with residents to help them pursue other housing opportunities if they can't afford the new rent.
The organization wants to stress that in many cases the rent increases will be fully covered by vouchers and rent amounts will remain unchanged.
If residents have concerns about a financial hardship, they should contact their property manager.