By Justin Darden
Columbia, TN – A local organization held a vigil on March 30 to raise awareness about the urgent need for affordable housing in Tennessee, highlighting how the crisis has affected residents in a mid-state community and exploring potential solutions.
The Vigil for Housing Rights, organized by Columbia Renters United (CRU), took place at Riverwalk Park in Columbia, Tennessee. According to a press release, the event aimed to bring public attention to the growing housing and homelessness crisis in Maury County. CRU reported that the county has some of the highest housing costs in the state, with renters needing to earn at least $25 per hour to afford market-rate rent.
The group also cited a sharp decline in affordable housing options, noting that the number of low-cost rentals dropped by 50% between 2013 and 2023, while the number of units renting for $1,500 or more per month rose by 700%.
Ashley Benkarski, Rural Community Organizer for Southern Crossroads, said CRU organized the vigil to address the underlying causes of the crisis, including rising rents and landlord practices that contribute to evictions. She emphasized the need for real solutions that benefit Tennessee residents.
“The more people we can get to join us, the louder and more powerful we become. And in that way, we can build community and bring awareness to the various ways in which we are exploited,” said Benkarski. “We want other tenants to know they aren’t alone and that they have the power to create the changes they need in their communities.”
Benkarski said discussions during the vigil focused on how housing costs in Tennessee have risen over the past decade and the resulting impact on families in Maury County.
Melissa Burlison, Chairperson of CRU, shared that she has spoken with neighbors in Columbia who feel a deep sense of urgency amid continued government inaction. She stressed the importance of elected officials understanding the everyday struggles of their constituents.
“People in power should and need to see the truth, even if they don’t like it or can’t handle it,” said Burlison. “As for renters, they will see that we all suffer from the same issues, so they aren’t alone. Decent, safe, and affordable housing is a basic human right and need. We all deserve a safe place to lay our heads at night. When someone has a stable home environment, they can become a productive member of society, and their overall quality of life improves.”
Benkarski described the community’s response to the vigil as encouraging and praised Columbia Renters United for their work in engaging the public and raising awareness. Despite this, she said state lawmakers have told the group that there is little they can do to address the crisis.
CRU has urged both state and federal lawmakers to enact policies that directly support struggling renters and low-income families.
Jessica Bravo, a CRU member, said she joined the organization to help amplify the voices of those most affected by the crisis.
“I joined the union because I want to give strength to the voice of the masses so we can be heard,” said Bravo.
According to the Columbia Daily Herald, the average cost of a home in Maury County used to fall within the $100,000 to $200,000 range. However, a recent report by the Southern Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors, compiled via RealTracs, found that the average home price has surged to around $400,000.
