As we shared previously, critical eviction protections are set to expire on March 31. We are joining with our statewide partners to urge the Massachusetts Trial Court, Housing Court and Legislature to act now to extend these protections.
Click HERE to read and sign the letter. Act by Thursday, March 16!
If you are part of an organization, please sign on today. If you are an individual, please share the link with organizations and groups of which you are a part.
Background: Currently, many tenants facing eviction are protected under a law known as Chapter 257, which requires a delay in the eviction process if there is a pending rental assistance application. In addition, the judge cannot issue a judgment or an eviction execution before the application is approved or denied.
This eviction protection is set to expire on March 31. The Senate did NOT pass the proposed amendment to its supplemental budget last week (thanks for your advocacy and to our Senators who signed on). So now, thanks to the organizing support of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, we have this next chance to urge immediate action.
We know that the number of families and individuals experiencing homelessness in our region (and across the state) is rising. We know that over 150 families are seeking rental assistance every single day in western Massachusetts alone. We can’t afford to lose protections currently in place at a time when we need more.
Please read and sign on to this letter ASAP. Thank you!
