EASTON, Pa. – In an effort to increase affordable housing in Easton, the city held its first “Home EASTON” community workshop.
“It’s a multi-faceted program where we’re trying to improve relationships between tenant’s landlords and just spread some education to make those relationships stronger,” said Michael Brett, Interim Director of Home Easton.
It’s part of their landlord and tenant engagement program. Thursday night, they focused on eviction and fair housing. “We’re really looking at this program to be a relationship builder and not be punitive,” said Brett.
Brett says it’s important to engage both renters and landlords, as 60% of neighborhoods like the West Ward are renter occupied.
“We want to make the tenants more responsible tenants, and we want to make landlords be more compliant with the city,” said Mark Hamerstone, the project manager for Home Easton.
The workshop provided information for both landlords and tenants, while also providing resources and assistance to the community.
“We’re hoping to help mediate between tenants and landlords when necessary, so that punitive measures don’t need to be taken,” said Haley Weber, the Project Specialist for Home Easton.
Juan Melendez, an Easton landlord, says he came to see what he could learn and thinks workshops like these will help relationships between tenants and landlords.
“It’s good for the tenants to know their rights and for the landlords to know where the boundaries lie,” said Melendez.
The next workshops are scheduled for February 12th and March 12th.