(Washington, DC) — Today, Rep. Kirkpatrick and her Democratic colleagues in the Arizona delegation wrote a letter to Governor Ducey for answers on how the State is working to prevent Arizonans from losing their homes as the eviction moratorium expires.
While the Representatives are working to provide assistance on the federal level, they urged Governor Ducey to ensure that the funding allocated to Arizona is being used equitably and effectively, as Congress intended. Arizona is experiencing a striking and deadly second wave of COVID-19 cases, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium expiration date is rapidly nearing. There has not been an extension of the moratorium on the state level, either.
“According to reports by Arizona 211, more than one-third of calls received are urgent requests related to housing, and 66% of housing calls specifically address needing rental assistance,” the Representatives wrote in their letter. “We are concerned that despite the evident need for additional housing and rental assistance to stave off economic disaster and unthinkable hardship for families, funding is being diverted to state agencies outside the scope of congressional intent while Arizonans struggle to maintain their homes.”
“It is critical to provide the necessary resources to Arizonans facing housing insecurity during this unprecedented public health crisis,” the Representatives continued. “We seek information on what additional plans the state has to help families facing eviction, landlords unable to pay mortgages, and those desperately seeking some form of relief to stay safe in their homes.”
“No one should be unhoused in the middle of a global pandemic,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick. “My colleagues and I receive countless calls from frightened Arizonans who are concerned about their housing situation. It’s not the time to sit idly by — we need immediate and holistic action to keep people in their homes until we emerge from this crisis.”
To read the full letter, click here.