HOME Line is hearing from renters across Minnesota, but the impact is especially acute for immigrant households, mixed-status families, and communities that are already overrepresented in low-wage and unstable work. Many of the renters contacting us were previously paying rent consistently and are now in crisis because immigration enforcement has disrupted their ability to work, move freely, or safely access basic services. As a result, we are seeing a sharp increase in renters seeking help paying rent, nearly an 85 percent increase compared to this time last year. This level of need greatly exceeds what we saw during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOME Line is pursuing a statewide eviction pause because it is the fastest way to stop immediate harm. It keeps people housed, out of court, and out of deeper crisis while longer-term solutions catch up. Pairing emergency rental assistance with an eviction pause is the best way to help keep renters and landlords whole until this crisis passes.
Minnesotans should call Governor Walz at 651-201-3400 and urge him to enact an eviction pause immediately. In addition, people should contact their state representative and state senator and press them to swiftly approve a $50 million emergency rental assistance package and support an eviction pause. You can find your state legislators’ contact information at www.leg.mn.gov.
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