Time is running out. Congress must act to stop evictions

CongressThe number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Nebraska, and so do the number of evictions. In Douglas & Lancaster counties, over 200 eviction hearings have been scheduled, even when most other types of hearings have been shut down.

Families with young children, people with disabilities, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are packed into courtrooms to fend off an eviction that would likely mean relocating to an overwhelmed shelter or doubling-up, which can lead to dangerous outcomes in the midst of extremely high rates of virus transmission.

The limited eviction moratorium established by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has prevented some evictions for those not able to pay their rent due to COVID-19. But this moratorium, which already doesn’t protect all Nebraskans who need it, is set to expire next month. Those who have benefited from the moratorium will have thousands of dollars of rent plus late fees due on January 1st, and no way to pay. Those who have fallen outside of its protections, will continue to be funneled through the courthouses and into homelessness. Time is running out as other essential protections from the CARES Act, passed in March, are set to expire at the end of the year. 

Senators must pass a COVID relief package before the end of the year.

Tell your U.S. Senators the Senate’s COVID-19 relief package needs to include an extension of the national eviction moratorium, along with emergency rental assistance.

Sen. Deb Fischer (402) 833-2851 Sen. Ben Sasse (402) 543-5348

 

Read more on our blog about additional supports, like Medicaid funding and food assistance, to also urge Congress to include in a comprehensive and inclusive relief package.

This year more than ever, the holidays are a time to remember the needs of those in our communities hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic. Urge your Senators to include these important components in this bill.

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