Center for Popular Democracy Statement on National Eviction Moratorium

Statement issued by Jennifer Epps-Addison,co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy:

"Today's decision to extend the CDC's eviction moratorium will provide a moment of relief for the nearly 7 million people who fell behind on rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we commend President Biden for issuing this extension, one month of relief is not nearly enough to protect the children and families that have been devastated by this economic and health crisis. Next month these families will once again be on the brink of homelessness or forced into unsafe housing when the extension expires.

COVID-19 has laid bare the inequalities in our housing system and families are shouldering the financial burdens of a broken system. While the eviction moratorium has been a critical safety net for millions of people throughout the pandemic, landlords and property owners have found loopholes to pursue evictions and exploit renters and their families. People need stronger eviction protections that will shield them from the predatory behavior that allows landlords and property owners to sidestep policies and build their bottom line.

We cannot continue this piecemeal strategy, we need bold housing policy to protect our fundamental right to stable and affordable housing. The Biden administration and Congress must take immediate action to expand the eviction moratorium and provide long-term protections for tenants for the duration of this crisis."