ATLANTA — As millions of Americans are out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic, some local cities are taking steps to keep people in their homes.
The Atlanta City Council has approved a 60-day moratorium on evictions in the city’s public housing. But for many families, with another rent day approaching, they are worried about their future.
“The last thing I need for myself and my children, is for us to be worrying about keeping a roof over our head,” said Wen Mariah Bales, a single mother of four in Forsyth County.
She isn’t alone. A recent survey from ApartmentList.com found 1 in 4 Americans couldn’t pay their full rent in April.
Bales, who is on furlough from her job at a local gym, said she doesn’t know if she has money to pay her rent in May.
“We were told if you don’t pay you’ll get an eviction notice,” Bales said.
The Federal stimulus package, signed by President Trump, bans evictions for the time being in buildings that have received federally backed loans along with Section 8 Housing.
The Georgia Supreme Court has halted all non-essential court proceedings in the state.Which means, that eviction orders can’t be processed for the time being.
However, experts warn renters that once courts open back up, evictions could come.
“We’re gonna have people who can work but will be homeless because this was something that wasn’t planned,” said Bales.
Experts recommend reaching out to your landlord, if possible, in hopes of working out an agreement financially.
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