Tippecanoe County residents host strike for renter's rights
Credit: WLFI
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Are demanding action for renter's rights.
This afternoon, a number of community activists gathered at the courthouse.
They're asking greater lafayette leaders to create a plan to protect renters during this pandemic.
News 18's micah upshaw shows us how.
00-05 :5 :25 1:14 nats housing is a human right, fight, fight, fight, housing is a human right... r: housing is a human right, and everyone deserves to have safe housing within this pandemic and beyond.
Nats m: five greater lafayette activist groups are gathering to address what they believe the county could look like if state leaders lift the ban on foreclosures, evictions and utility shut-offs during this pandemic.
A: we staged boxes, things that you would see during the time of people being evicted.
Nats we are asking the city to do everything in their power to help stop evictions as a result of the covid-19 crisis.
M: governor eric holcomb has extended the statewide ban on foreclosures, evictions and utility shut-offs until june 30th.
But with not knowing if he'll extend it again, strike leader arissa beck wants city leaders to start making plans to protect renters.
A: we'd also like the city to make a relief program for renters during this time and maybe develop a program to inform renters of their rights.
M: according to beck, more than 52-percent of lafayette residents are renters.
And out of that, about 46- percent of them are at risk for being evicted.
E: we know the reality, until the city does see housing as a human right, none of us are safe.
R: i've seen a lot of people that i know personally scared for their housing and scared for their jobs, so if people don't have job and they're not earning income, then they can't pay their rent.
Nats a: it's unfortunate and it never comes at a time that's great so we just want the city to help our citizens.
M: in tippecanoe county, micah upshaw, news 18.
The activists created a petition with a goal of 500 signatures.
Right now they have more than 400 people signed up.
They plan the this list to city leaders on tuesday.