Dallas Launches Eviction Assistance Initiative
Partner Mark Melton spoke with the Dallas Observer about Dallas Evictions 2020, the group he founded that has been sticking up for the city’s tenants during the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put a temporary halt to evictions during the pandemic, which has often been the only thing saving many from homelessness. However, he indicated that he expects to see tens of thousands of evictions when the CDC’s moratorium expires. With that unfortunate but likely event set for the end of next month, the city is preparing for a surge in the number of people who might be in need.
Mr. Melton said that educating people on their rights and the legal process is a big part of fighting evictions. He said eight out of ten people who reach out to his group don’t know about available rent assistance programs or anything about the CDC declaration, which can stop an eviction in some cases.