In a letter sent to Governor Tony Evers Wednesday, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey is requesting the eviction moratorium be reinstated, as dozens of eviction notices were filed in courts.
The moratorium, which prevented evictions from happening during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, expired on May 26. According to court records, there were approximately 17 eviction notices filed in Milwaukee County and over 80 filed statewide on Wednesday.
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“We cannot know the stories of all those facing eviction, but surely we can assume the majority of them were hard-working, rent-paying residents. Now, in the face of a global pandemic that has created one of the highest unemployment rates in this state’s history and done particular harm to the low-wage service sector, we have the spectacle of landlords seeking evictions even before they are permitted to do so," wrote Rainey.
There are a number of organizations that have resources for people in need of financial help with housing and utility bills during this time.
Gov. Tony Evers passed a $25 million rental assistance program last week for individuals who have experienced income loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information click here.
Legal Aid Society is conducting meetings with Milwaukee County residents virtually over the phone or online. They can talk to you about possible representation or simply give you advice on the matter at hand. You can call them at (414) 727-5300 or fill out their online intake form here.
Community Advocates has a program for temporary rental assistance. You can call their Rent HelpLine at (414) 270-4646 or e-mail them at renthelp@communityadvocates.net.
Mediate Milwaukee can be contacted for legal help by calling (414) 939-8800 or e-mailing apply@mediatemilwaukee.com.
Legal Action of Wisconsin can also provide you with legal assistance at (855) 947-2525. You can call the local Milwaukee and Waukesha office at (414) 278-7722, and the Racine office at (262) 635-8836.