As the pandemic virus began to spread, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a moratorium on evictions to keep people housed. Though the original purpose of halting evictions was to prevent the spread of Covid-19, renters found relief in knowing that job loss, volatility, and overall financial strain would not cause them to have to relocate or experience houselessness due to lack of ability to pay rent.
The eviction moratorium came with catches. One catch is that landlords are not required to forgive missed rent payments. Now that the moratorium on evictions is coming to an end, many people are left wondering what they are going to do to be able to stay in their homes.
Whether you live in a state that will end the moratorium on evictions next month or early next year, there are steps you can take to prepare. You don’t have to live in fear of what’s next if you know where to begin to find help.
If you or a loved one are currently at risk and need help finding a home, keeping a home, or covering essential costs:
1: The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a state by state list of organizations, including specific representatives who can help you find or keep your home.
2: For rent assistance, a table of Covid-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Programs through the National Low Income Housing Coalition has provided this table of resources by state.
3: For assistance finding food, paying bills, or covering other essentials, local assistance is available through 211.org.
4: For emergency housing, the Just Shelter portal can connect you to local organizations whose priority is to get you safely housed.
5: If you need help with applications, following up with individual agents, feel discriminated against, or need legal assistance of any kind, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is a non-profit that provides free legal assistance to low-income U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and non-citizen victims of crime, including domestic violence and human trafficking victims. Regardless of your circumstances, identity, or personal choices, you have rights.
6: If you are struggling mentally or emotionally and just need someone to talk to, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). Someone is available 24 hours for Spanish and English speakers. The support is free and confidential. Specialists are also trained in helping you find immediate help in your area, whether you are dealing with homelessness, violence in your home, or any kind of distress or crisis.*
*Internet search histories and browsers are easy to trace. The phone number adds a layer of protection to ensure that you get helped safely.
7: Talk to your landlord. Not everyone is understanding, but many people are. With mediation and assistance from the sources listed above, you may be able to keep your current living situation.
Reaching out during hard times is a sign of strength and a fighting spirit. There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. We are all dealing with the consequences of the same soul pounding pandemic. Life is real, but not impossible.
You are not alone in this fight. We're figuring things out together in real time and help is available. Different states have different guidelines, but it is not legal in any state to discriminate against anyone based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. If you feel that you have been discriminated against in any way, contact your local ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) to speak to a representative.