Trident United Way asks tenants in need to act now: negotiate with landlords and seek out available resources
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – In a last minute announcement, the Biden Administration has extended an eviction moratorium to July 31 - it was set to expire today. Trident United Way asks landlords and tenants to be UNITED in their efforts to work things out to keep people in their homes.
Past due rent amounts still need to be paid, even if a tenant is evicted. Money owed can hurt someone’s credit rating, among other negative financial effects. Trident United Way has several methods to help connect people with the help they need.
Click below for downloadable soundbite from Jonathan Rauh/Trident United Way VP of Public Policy
https://www.dropbox.com/s/olg38ixgqzjtssi/JonathanRauh6-30.mp4?dl=0
“They can dial 211 or they can go to SC211.org and they can find resources there related to housing, we also have our Resource Connection Centers in Dorchester and Berkeley Counties.” :12
Rauh still predicts a surge in assistance claims when the moratorium ends on July 31 as the CDC has said.
Calls to our 211 Helpline continue to be at record totals, up 31% for the Tri-County compared with May 2020 when the pandemic was in full swing. Rent assistance makes up 21% of those requests, second only to utility assistance at 32%.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, South Carolina has the second highest percentage of people behind on rent at 23%. Only Mississippi ranks higher at 26%. It’s estimated more than 11 million Americans are behind on rent.
While COVID-19 numbers are falling, the economic effects in the Tri-County will not go away soon, Rauh says. He estimates the largest sector in our area: hospitality, is 10,000 jobs below pre-pandemic numbers.
Supporting Trident United Way with a donation is one way you can help. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Trident United Way served more than 50,000 people and as the analysis shows, the needs will continue as we work to Live United during this challenging time.
###
About Trident United Way - Celebrating more than 76 years of service, Trident United Way is a catalyst for measurable community transformation in education, financial stability and health. According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, United Way is America’s favorite charity. Learn more at tuw.org.