Chester, PA − August 3, 2021 − In a letter to Senators Casey and Toomey and Representatives Scanlon and Houlahan, Senators Kane, Kearney, and Anthony Williams urged Congress to extend the federal eviction moratorium, which ended July 31st. The eviction moratorium had been in place since September 2020, providing an essential lifeline for Pennsylvania’s renters.
“We have almost 600,000 Pennsylvanians who are at risk of losing their homes, right now, who have been facing unprecedented financial strain over the past year,” said Senator Kane. “I know what it feels like to be out of work, to be struggling, to worry about whether or not you’ll have the money to cover the rent this month. In the midst of an ongoing health crisis, it’s the last thing folks should have to think about.”
The eviction moratorium proved a critical support to keep working families in their homes since its enaction last September. Pennsylvania families continue to face housing insecurity – in June, more residents requested help with rent and utilities than in the three previous months combined.
“This pandemic is far from over – just yesterday, Delaware County was classified by the CDC as a county with a substantial risk of transmission. And pretending that COVID is not a danger to our communities won’t make it go away. By failing to extend the eviction moratorium, hundreds of thousands of people are being put at risk of houselessness, and at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19,” Senator Kane said.
A full copy of the letter can be found below.
Eviction Moratorium Letter