FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
New Orleans- The New Orleans Housing Justice Coalition, part of the New Orleans Renters’ Rights Assembly, will stage a demonstration on Wednesday, June 3, at 2 p.m., titled “Protect Renters!: An Anti-Eviction Speakout & Die-in.” The crowd will meet in front of City Hall and stage a die-in outside of First City Court, where evictions take place on the east bank of New Orleans.
On May 7, the New Orleans City Council unanimously passed a resolution in favor of keeping First and Second City Courts closed for evictions through August 24.
On June 1, Mayor Cantrell decided that the City of New Orleans would not enter “Phase Two” of the city’s reopening – meaning thousands of working class residents will be unable to work as businesses remain limited in capacity.
Despite these developments, the judges of First and Second City Courts are scheduled to reopen eviction courts on June 8. Unless they take action and postpone this date, hundreds – or perhaps thousands – of working class New Orleanians will lose their housing. They may end up on the streets.
The city’s message throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been to “stay home and save lives.” But you cannot stay home if you have been evicted. People will die or end up on the streets if the courts reopen before they can work. The city may also see an increase in coronavirus cases. This is unacceptable, and we plan to let the City of New Orleans know: If you reopen eviction court, people will die.
New Orleans Housing Justice Coalition
New Orleans Renters’ Rights Assembly
2533 Columbus St., New Orleans, LA 70119
504-321-1033
