Today, we urgently invite all members of the Interfaith Community to take immediate action to Keep People Housed. You can take action as an individual AND as a congregation or organization – follow the links below! And if you emailed or called your senator earlier on these bills, please reach out to them again!
These two key pieces of legislation need your support NOW to Keep People Housed:
- A bad amendment that SB 5160 took on the House floor last week includes language that the eviction moratorium shall end on June 30, 2021. We know that is not acceptable. WLIHA is continuing to organize to urge lawmakers and the Governor to extend the moratorium for as long as it takes to enact the new tenant protections in SB 5160.
- And next week is the last week of the state legislative session and the Senate hasn’t yet voted on a key bill – HB 1277!
Earlier this week, the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance (WLIHA), the Washington Build Back Black Alliance, and The Mockingbird Society published an Op-Ed arguing that the moratorium must be extended or all the fantastic work we have done to protect tenants will be undermined. Read the Seattle Times Op-Ed Here: “Statewide renter protections are on the way but will they get up and running in time?”
We need both Individuals AND Organizations/Congregations to take action ASAP!
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CONGREGATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS:
Sign your organization on in support!
From John Stoval At WLIHA: “I am asking you to co-sign your organization to the Op-Ed to send a strong message to lawmakers and Gov. Inslee AND please share this letter among your own networks.
Understanding that it takes time for some congregations to secure permission to sign onto a letter, the deadline for congregation / organization signatures is Tuesday, April 20th at 5pm.
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INDIVIDUALS:
Email your lawmaker & tell her/him/them to Pass HB 1277 off the Senate floor!
From Michele Thomas at WLIHA:
“I’m reaching out on a Friday with hope that you can take action to tell your senator to prioritize funding for eviction and homelessness prevention! Next week is the last week of the state legislative session and the Senate hasn’t yet voted on a key bill!
HB 1277 is critical in order to prevent mass evictions and homelessness. It creates a permanent fund source for eviction and homelessness prevention, for the landlord mitigation fund and for permanent supportive housing! While there is significant federal funding for rental assistance coming to Washington, it’s not enough and it isn’t on-going. Washington needs to invest in the solutions that work and HB 1277 is our chance.
With only a few days left for this bill to pass, it’s critical that your Senator hears from you! Please send your senator an email today asking to pass HB 1277 as soon as possible! “
Questions?
John Stovall l He/Him/His l Member Organizer l Washington Low Income Housing Alliance l (706)247-3949 l www.wliha.org
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If you emailed or called your senator earlier on this legislation – thank you!
Please email or call your senator AGAIN – using the links above!
We are SO close in passing statewide legislation to Keep People Housed – please take action TODAY.
Thank you for your advocacy – it matters!
~ Eastside Interfaith Gathering