Across the CPD network, affiliates are leading the fight against evictions and calling on decision-makers to cancel rent and mortgages across the country. Since the start of the pandemic, CPD affiliates have been building grassroots Eviction Defense Networks to respond to the potential eviction of 40 million people across the country.   An eviction crisis would be a catastrophe for the people already hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, Black and Brown people, immigrants, unemployed workers—our loved ones and neighbors. 

On October 1, as tenants have for every 1st of the month since the pandemic began, CPD affiliates came together to demand that elected officials take action to cancel rent, cancel mortgages, and stop evictions. Local advocates shared their stories, organized safe protests, and turned the heat up on elected officials who have failed to respond to the crisis. If you believe, like we do, that everyone deserves a home in which they can thrive, then click here to join us in the fight to cancel rent, cancel mortgages, and resist evictions for the duration of the pandemic and recovery phase. 

In Philadelphia, CPD affiliate One Pennsylvania launched their Eviction Defense Network called the Freedom to Stay Block Brigade to resist evictions. The Freedom to Stay Block Brigade is led by impacted Black and brown Philadelphians who have been organizing for the transformation of housing policy through their Freedom to Stay Campaign for rent control and homeowner protections. As Philadelphia residents look to the looming mass eviction crisis, they are educating people about their rights and protections, building collective power with those most impacted by the housing crisis, and preparing for rapid response direct action for when evictions occur. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has heard our call for national protections and announced a national eviction moratorium that provides some tools for tenants to resist eviction until December 31, but still ignores the central problem: our communities will not be able to pay back rent incurred since March. We need full rent and mortgage cancellation NOW. The CDC’s National Eviction Moratorium is one possible tool for tenants to be able to stay in their homes, but there is so much more to be done. For more information, check out this Know Your Rights Training hosting by CPD's housing campaigns team.

Sign the petition now to join us in the fight for a Home to Thrive.