Protection for Tenants After the
Eviction Moratorium S By Angela Lindsay
ince the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most pressing issues facing many residents has been the struggle to keep a roof over their heads. The federal eviction moratorium provided relief for tenants for the greater part of 2020 and 2021; however, with its expiration in October, per the Supreme Court’s ruling in August, the housing crisis has roared back in full force. “COVID-19 has been difficult for the citizens of Mecklenburg County because many lost their jobs, experienced childcare challenges, wage reductions and illness,” said Erin Barbee, senior vice president of programs and fund development at DreamKey Partners. “All of these factors caused people to choose between food, rent and general necessities,” she added.” It’s our experience that rent was an expense that many tenants were no longer able to pay. Tenants who were usually able to pay were thrust into housing instability
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“The eviction moratorium provided tenants with a sense of safety and security in their homes as they attempted to gain stability.” — Erin Barbee
in a matter of months. As a result, residents in Mecklenburg County experienced a significant increase in evictions.” DreamKey Partners administers emergency Erin Barbee rent, mortgage, hotel and utility assistance for the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The program provides funds to tenants experiencing a hardship because of COVID-19. Applications are open from the first through the 15th of every month until funds are depleted. Currently, $60 million dollars is available to assist renters in need, according to Barbee. As of August, Charlotte’s Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program (RAMP CLT) statistics showed that of the active and eligible applications they received, Black women accounted for 67 percent of the applications from those who identified as Black or African American. The area codes most affected are 28262, 28216, 28208 and 28269, according to DreamKey Partners. “The eviction moratorium provided tenants with a sense of safety and security in their homes as they attempted to gain stability,” Barbee said. “Each time the ban was slated to be lifted it caused a wave of fear and confusion about how to access resources,” she added. “During the last eviction moratorium, North Carolina and [Mecklenburg] the county felt the sense of stability that was slated to last until October 3, 2021. To have it overturned in a matter of days caused residents to feel panicked. This moving target causes
