During the most recent national call on coronavirus, disasters, housing, and homelessness, Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) provided updates on the state of play for the next coronavirus relief bill, emphasized the importance of educating tenants about the federal eviction moratorium, and urged Congressional action on the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act of 2019 (S.2301).
Jim Baker of the Private Equity Stakeholder Project provided updates on how the CDC eviction moratorium is impacting eviction filings and discussed the implications of evictions by private equity firms and other corporate landlords during COVID-19. The Private Equity Stakeholder Project is researching the acceleration in eviction filings in select counties since the CDC eviction moratorium went into effect. John Pollock of the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel provided updates on the increased need for tenants’ right to counsel in eviction cases.
Julia Orduña of Texas Housers discussed the confusion around the CDC eviction moratorium in Texas and the state Supreme Court’s emergency order. Texas Housers is setting up an eviction solidarity network to monitor eviction proceedings and understand variations in how judges interpret the moratorium. Jim Schaafsma of the Michigan Poverty Law Program discussed the lack of guidance from the Michigan Supreme Court on the application of the CDC eviction moratorium.
Roxy Caines of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) highlighted CBPP’s 30-Day Campaign for Stimulus Payment Outreach. The deadline to sign up to receive an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) by the end of this year is October 15. About 12 million people who did not need to file income taxes or do not receive federal benefits qualify for but have not yet received their EIP. NLIHC created guidance on helping people experiencing homelessness receive their EIPs.
Dev Wakeley of Alabama Arise shared information on the impact of hurricanes Laura and Sally, and Alison McIntosh of Neighborhood Partnerships in Oregon provided updates on the effect of the wildfires on low-income and unhoused people. NLIHC’s Sarah Saadian discussed the impact of the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Congress enacting a coronavirus relief and disaster response bill.
NLIHC hosts national calls on Coronavirus, Disasters, Housing, and Homelessness every week. On today’s call, we will be joined by Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA). Register for today’s (Monday, September 28 at 2:30 pm ET) call at: https://tinyurl.com/ru73qan
Watch a recording of the September 21 call at: tinyurl.com/y3k2nmjf
Access presentation slides at: tinyurl.com/y5up8ka6