With the coronavirus pandemic worsening, a statewide coalition of more than 140 organizations urges Gov. Gavin Newsom to implement more protective measures for vulnerable Californians. The coalition sent a letter to Newsom last week, and has started a call-to-action campaign this week.
“Tenants and homeowners across California need answers before April 1st to ensure stability for millions of families,” the coalition wrote in the letter to Newsom. “We are prepared to take collective action to protect ourselves in this moment of crisis.”
With rent and mortgage payments due in April, many tenants and homeowners financially impacted by the coronavirus crisis will face a dire situation. California renters have already been struggling to make ends meet as the state’s housing affordability crisis has continued to spiral out of control.
The coalition includes Housing Now!, ACCE, Sacramento Housing Alliance, California Coalition for Rural Housing, Uplift Inglewood Coalition, AFSCME 3200, Housing Is A Human Right, Leadership Counsel for Justice & Accountability, Tenants Together, and numerous others.
Through a social media campaign, the coalition is asking the public to reach out to Gov. Gavin Newsom through emails, calls, and tweets.
The coalition is urging Newsom to implement the following protections:
- Statewide moratoria on rent increases, evictions, foreclosures, and writs of possession;
- Moratorium on homeless encampment sweeps, closure; and vehicle tows;
- Emergency rental or mortgage assistance;
- Suspension of rents and mortgages;
- Prohibit utility shut-offs and rate increases, halt application of late fees, and reinstitute services immediately.
The public can contact Gov. Gavin Newsom by clicking on this link.