Thousands In Dallas Could End Up Homeless If Eviction Ban Is Lifted In January, Lawyer Says

Partner Mark Melton spoke with WFAA about the moratorium on residential evictions put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which expires on Dec. 31. Mr. Melton, who founded the Dallas Evictions 2020 campaign, estimates thousands of people could become newly homeless during the first quarter of 2021 in Dallas. His group of 150 attorneys provide pro bono services to community members facing possible eviction.

“In this work, it’s part legal and a little bit of social work as well,” he said. Mr. Melton says tenants fearing eviction can contact his group and a pro bono lawyer will be assigned to help them. He drafted a City of Dallas ordinance that gives residents 60 days to catch up on their rent. Mr. Melton is now working with city, county and nonprofit leaders to come up with a plan in the event the CDC’s eviction moratorium is not extended.

READ: Thousands In Dallas Could End Up Homeless If Eviction Ban Is Lifted In January, Lawyer Says