From Eviction Crisis to Eviction Catastrophe
New Data Predicts an Avalanche of Evictions in Virginia
A report from the Legal Aid Justice Center examines new Census data that show low-income communities and communities of color are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain stable housing
Richmond, VA— The Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC) has released a new paper titled From Eviction Crisis to Eviction Catastrophe. Using data from the U.S. Census’s recent Household Pulse Survey that reports weekly findings across the country on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the paper zeros in on housing insecurity in Virginia to find troubling trends that may predict an avalanche of evictions in the Commonwealth.
One striking finding: Almost half of Virginians who have an income of $25,000 or less said they have slight or no chance of paying rent next month.
While nearly all Virginians have been affected economically by the health crisis, inequities are seen in who are in the most precarious housing situations. Black and Hispanic residents reported a significantly higher concern of making rent payments on time or at all.
The paper calls for action to be taken by Governor Northam and elected leaders across the state as well as by the Supreme Court of Virginia to immediately halt evictions for the duration of the crisis and to take steps to protect renters.
Download the paper at www.justice4all.org/evictioncatastrophe
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The Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC) LAJC partners with communities and clients to achieve justice by dismantling systems that create and perpetuate poverty. By justice, we mean racial, social, and economic justice. We integrate individual representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and organizing strategies to identify and address root causes of poverty while mitigating acute impacts.
