October 2020
Last call for Membership! Deadline to submit your NCH Membership application is October 12th. Click here to apply.
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This month we are focusing on the looming wave of evictions due to the pandemic, and the illegal and immoral evictions that have been taking place for decades.
Evictions during a Pandemic: Hope or Hopelessness?
Evictions are more complicated than just the actual meaning. At its root cause, we may be able to list job loss, medical issues, and loss of spouse/domestic violence as examples that are at the surface. It’s bigger than someone failing to fulfill their obligation in exchange for not being on the street.
Estimated numbers of people at risk of eviction are staggering; 30 to 40 million in the next several months are at risk for becoming housing insecure according to the Aspen Institute.
There are 3 things currently standing in the way of mass displacement due to eviction:
- CDC moratorium
- Local moratorium
- Legal Aid and rental assistance
On September 2, 2020, The Center for Disease Control Director Dr. Robert Redfield signed a declaration determining that the evictions of tenants could be detrimental to public health. This action was instrumental since the CARES Act moratorium expired in late July.
Some city and state governments issued eviction prevention moratoriums at the beginning of the public health emergency which have since expired.
Three main reasons why tenants are still being evicted from their homes:
- Landlord intimidation of tenants
- Tenants not aware of their rights as renters
- Lack of legal representation in court
Landlords have taken measures into their own hands during this public health crisis. While they depend on payments for survival, boarding up doors, shutting of utilities, and filing for eviction with the courts does not make a tenant speed up their ability to pay rent. The fine print on a lease may become a challenge to understand and it’s a tool used by management companies to evict.
What can be done to protect the American People?
A fifth coronavirus package to protect the American people, extending the CDC moratorium beyond December is pivotal in blocking the wave of evictions. An executive order by local, and state governments can potentially protect certain groups of Americans from evictions such as the elderly, and domestic violence survivors.
There are benefits for families to stay in their homes. Kids are able to focus in school and decrease the chance of suffering from lack of rest and food insecurity. Prevention of long term mental instability is also a plus.
Should we have hope in that a piece meal approach that has slowed down what’s inevitable? Or will people remain hopeless in the lack of assistance to help Americans sustain their quality of life?
Make no mistake, the United States will face a housing crisis not seen since the great depression regarding housing insecurity. Most moratoriums put in place at the beginning of the pandemic have expired causing massive amounts of eviction filings by landlords.
What will happen if the CDC moratorium on evictions is not extended past December 2020? The jury is still out on that answer, however, the American people must have a say, and challenge our elected officials to do what they were elected to do, legislate.
Available resources:
Get to Know NCH! Look out for a new section in our monthly newsletter highlighting a member of the National Coalition.
To start us off, please meet John Harrison. John has been affiliated with the National Coalition for the Homeless for 16 years as a member of the Faces of Homelessness Speakers Bureau and has also participated in other NCH advocacy efforts.
Mr. Harrison experienced long term homelessness himself and his lived experience now has become an asset that helps him understand the challenges faced by people currently experiencing homelessness.
Mr. Harrison is the Program Coordinator for Nick’s Place, a Recovery Home and transitional living facility that provides a structured program geared specifically for young men seeking a foundation in recovery from substance use disorder. Through Nick’s Place, Mr. Harrison assists young men 20 - 26 years old with job readiness training and provides support and guidance to them in all aspects of life and recovery.
Mr. Harrison earned an Associate of Arts degree from Anne Arundel Community College in 2017. He has also completed CCAR Recovery Coach Academy and is in the application process for obtaining his Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential in Maryland.
Mr. Harrison is a 2017 recipient of the Herman W. Fletcher Memorial Award for his volunteer service to the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities.
Our Homeless Town Hall series is aimed at providing a space for people experiencing homelessness to share their voice.
Our October Town Hall, being held next Thursday, Oct. 15, at 3pm EST, will focus on community responses to COVID19`.
Please share widely!
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The deadline to register to vote is looming in many states. As our families and communities are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic recession, Congress and the Presidential administration continue to drag their feet in providing the critical aid that we need.
This is the most important election in modern history. Please visit the You Don't Need a Home to Vote campaign website to double/triple/ or quadruple-check that your registration is current! Find our tips on ensuring people who are unhoused can cast their ballot, and plan how you will help your neighbors cast their ballots!
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National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is November 15th - 22nd, 2020. To register your events please visit: https://hhweek.org.
Due to COVID-19, we are encouraging communities to consider holding virtual events. NCH will be hosting a number of virtual presentations and conversations through the week. We are also asking folks to #Shareyourtable on social media, with either a literal interpretation or a metaphorical imagery of what a table means to you.
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The Census conducted its enumeration of people experiencing homelessness Sept. 22-24. But we have heard from many agencies that were never contacted by Census.
If you are an organization that provides shelter, especially if you are assisting folks in non-congregate settings during the pandemic, please contact the Census Bureau immediately via the [email protected] to ensure your residents are counted. You can also find your local Census office contact here.
Image by Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
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If you have not yet received a COVID stimulus, you have until October 15th to register with the IRS to receive the payment.
See the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities for more guidance for individuals, and organizations assisting individuals in receiving their payments.
National Coalition for the Homeless, 2201 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
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