Inland Empire Landlords Mobilize to Help Local Families; Provide Red Cross with List of 710 Units Available Immediately.

Business Editors

ONTARIO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2003

Local landlords have mobilized to help victims of the Inland Empire firestorms by turning over to the Red Cross a list of more than 710 apartments, condos and townhomes available for immediate occupancy, according to officials at the Apartment Association Greater Inland Empire (AAGIE). In many cases, landlords are also offering free or discounted rent, with appliance companies and furniture rental outlets pitching-in to help displaced families, as well.

"Inland Empire residents have to pull together at times like these," said Karen Fricke, executive Director of AAGIE. "And as landlords, we intend to do our part."

Association staff began their efforts Monday by sending emergency faxes and e-mails to all 1,100 members asking for their help. Members were asked to provide information on any and all rentals that could be occupied immediately. Landlords participating in the program are required to offer housing at pre-disaster rent levels and guarantee not rent increases for a specified period of time. According to Fricke, members responded instantly.

"As soon as they heard what we needed, our members began faxing back responses right away," said Fricke. "We will continue to update the list of available units and get that information to the Red Cross for the duration of the emergency."

The AAGIE Emergency Housing Program is being run by the Red Cross. Families east of San Bernardino should contact the Red Cross Inland Empire Chapter at [phone]. Families around Rancho Cucamonga should contact the Inland Valley Chapter at [phone].

The Apartment Association Greater Inland Empire represents 1,100 rental property owners, management professionals and apartment builders throughout the Inland Empire. As the local affiliate of the California Apartment Association (CAA), it provides continuing education and professional certification to its members and consumer education to government officials and the public. Members pledge to observe the CAA Code of Ethics and commit to a "Resident's Bill of Rights."