​Maribel Jagorin
Frontline Advocate Facing Renoviction in Kitchener

Maribel Jagorin, along with 10 other long-term tenants, is currently being threatened with displacement from her home at  267 Traynor Avenue apartment building in Kitchener due to renoviction. She is passionate in speaking about her personal experiences as she challenges renoviction and navigates the  process of fighting for her affordable housing. Also, as a proud member of ACORN Tenant Union, she shares her story with others to provide a better understanding of the impact of renoviction on individuals and communities. She hopes her advocacy of fighting for tenants rights may inspire others to get involved and join the fight against renoviction.

Presentation

Maribel Jagorin, a tenant for nearly 13 years and the newly elected co-chair of the Acorn Tenants Union, outlined her concerns over "renovictions" led by the building's new owner. She emphasized that the notices disproportionately affect long-term tenants who are often from vulnerable groups such as seniors, immigrants, and low-income individuals, and are paying what is considered affordable rent.
She went on to describe various examples of neglect and lack of upkeep from the new property management company. Issues ranged from failure to replace broken washers to unfulfilled promises of reimbursement for self-purchased heaters. Additionally, Maribel mentioned that tenants are often threatened with additional eviction notices for minor or made-up infractions. 
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Maribel highlighted that tenants are fighting back through collective action. They have consulted with a paralegal and have been granted a group hearing by the landlord-tenant board. Community support is also strong; the Social Development Center has provided significant guidance, and the Acorn Tenant Union is providing the courage and education to resist eviction.

"Renoviction is a privilege given to landlords that only fuels the housing crisis. With the insane cost of living, how are mid and low income people like me supposed to survive? Where are we going to live if we are displaced? Living in an old building with affordable rent does not make me less of a human, nor mean that my landlord can just violate my rights to housing and throw me out on the streets so he can make more profits."
-Maribel Jagorin