It’s now been over a year since the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in the U.S. and still so many families are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their head, after months of inaction by the government. The Center for Popular Democracy network is on the frontlines organizing to fight for what our communities need and end the deepening housing crisis, due to COVID-19. Even before the pandemic, this country was facing a historic housing and homelessness crisis – most people in this country are tenants, the majority of which were rent burdened before the pandemic began. It has never been more clear that long-term solutions are required for a genuine recovery. Donate now to support our fight for tenant rights, and to help communities most impacted by COVID-19.

Faced with an opportunity to strengthen and provide more universal eviction protections, President Biden signed an executive order on his first day in office extending the current CDC eviction moratorium. But this is a temporary measure that still leaves families without the rent and debt forgiveness they will need to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 31, the CDC national eviction moratorium will expire with no national and almost no state and local protections for millions of renters at risk of eviction for non-payment of rent.  

Families across the country need short-term action for immediate relief AND a long-term commitment to expand the eviction moratorium and cancel rent and mortgages. And while people struggle to pay rent in the face of mass unemployment, right now the largest corporate landlords are sitting on $470 billion in tax breaks and subsidies. What’s clear is that we CAN afford rent and mortgage forgiveness, and relief to small landlords and affordable housing providers who need it. We just need to tax the largest corporate landlords to pay for it. 

From January 20 to February 1, tenants from across the country who are at risk of eviction will call on the Biden administration and congressional leadership, every day, to take immediate action to protect the up to 40 million people at risk of eviction through a universal eviction moratorium and rent and mortgage cancellation immediately. These tenants, supported by CPD network affiliates and local eviction defense networks, will defend their homes through direct action and community support—from move-ins and occupations, to online rallies, and petition deliveries. Donate now to join us in the fight to prevent more than 40 million people from losing their homes.