We the people have rights, and it’s time we make ourselves heard. It is such a great injustice to keep silent and keep this hidden. This is an ongoing problem, and a very serious one as well. You see, it affects us all.

Landlords are not taking responsibility, yet they are taking our money and doing nothing to repair or make it a safe place for tenants to live. The price of rent is skyrocketing, and it is an outrage. For, you see, people should not have to live with bedbugs, mold and even drunks and drugs, which are also an ongoing problem and out of control.

People should be more involved and take an interest in what is really going on in their environment, for it affects us all. People live in fear of this, afraid to report it, for they feel it will lead to their eviction. Yet that’s all the more reason to – it is not healthy for anyone to live under these conditions, nor is it safe! We must protect our families at any cost. Slumlords, indeed.

This should be enforced, for there is no denying the facts. We should not have to suffer in silence, but voice our opinions and be heard. It is our humane right to live a normal and healthy life, and no one has the right to deny us or keep this hidden, for the innocents are the ones paying the price. This should be made public knowledge as well, for many are in great need of help, yet live in constant fear of reaching out.

We the people have rights. I so hope this will encourage you and inspire you to make a difference, for there are so many out there in need of support. You are not alone. Never will I stop fighting for what I believe in. Never will I give up.

Priscilla Ouellette
Biddeford