Eviction Representation for All Benefits Everyone
At Sisters, we see the direct results of evictions far too often. I’ve heard so many stories of people unjustly evicted who had no idea how to defend themselves
If you were faced with an eviction notice tomorrow, would you know where to turn?
Eviction filings are increasing at unprecedented rates. We need to ensure that everyone facing eviction knows their rights and has the tools to protect themselves. We need systems that ensure fair trials and keep people housed. We need to advocate for a more just society.
Evictions are both a condition and cause of homelessness and poverty. They destabilize communities, worsen health outcomes, and generate enormous downstream costs in the form of emergency services and programs. Our current state rent cap legislation allows a 14.6% rent increase this calendar year, even though the federal government acknowledges that $100 increases in rent lead to 9% increase in homelessness.
Evictions in Multnomah County mirror trends across the United States - they disproportionately affect Black, Indigenous, Latine tenants and tenants of color, households led by women, families with children, tenants with disabilities, and queer and trans tenants. These same communities face greater risk of homelessness and are disproportionately represented in Multnomah County’s unhoused statistics.
When families and individuals are threatened with eviction, they not only risk losing their homes, they risk losing access to vital services and the ability to successfully rent in the future. Current eviction defense programs are piecemeal, underfunded, and unable to reach our most marginalized residents facing eviction. In 2022, only 9% of tenants had legal representation with existing programs. On average, nearly half of all evictions lead to homelessness.
Right to Counsel measures are proven to keep people housed and reduce the onramps into homelessness. While the 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to counsel for criminal matters, the same guarantee does not exist in eviction court. This is why we support Multnomah County Ballot Measure 26-238, Eviction Representation for All.
With a mere .75% increase in capital gains tax, we have the power to protect tenants from illegal evictions and reduce homelessness.
Make your voice heard on May 16th! A vote in favor of Ballot Measure 26-238 will ensure fair hearings, keep people housed, and break the cycle of homelessness.
Sincerely,
Rhea Hannon
Sisters of the Road
