Housing Activists Plan Caravan Protest Through Downtown Detroit Calling for Relief for Tenants and Mortgage Borrowers During Coronavirus Pandemic

For Immediate Release
News from Detroit Eviction Defense

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

***Media Advisory***

Protestors urge: “Don’t Let this Health Crisis Turn into a New Housing Crisis!”

Contacts:
Joe McGuire, Detroit Eviction Defense

joehenrymcguire@gmail.com; (313) 969-7076

DETROIT – A housing justice activism group called Detroit Eviction Defense has called for a caravan protest through downtown Detroit on Wednesday, May 13 at 3:30 p.m. in anticipation of Governor Whitmer’s executive order prohibiting evictions expiring at the end of this week.

The group calls for extending the eviction ban until at least 60 days have passed after the end of the current state of emergency. It also calls for the ban to be expanded to prohibit mortgage foreclosures as well, as other states have done. Finally, the group argues for the need to cancel rent and mortgage payments during the crisis in order to prevent financially distressed tenants and mortgage borrowers from building up unpayable balances of delinquent monthly payments.

Governor Whitmer originally signed her order prohibiting evictions statewide on March 20, but the prohibition is set to end on Friday, May 15 unless it is extended.

Protesters plan to meet at Old St. John’s Church on 2120 Russel in Detroit on Wednesday May 13th at 3:30 p.m. and drive in a caravan down Woodward Avenue, then circle the Cadillac Building on 3044 W Grand Blvd. where the State of Michigan has government offices.

“Massive amounts of people are losing their jobs and income as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, at a rate and speed not seen since the Great Depression” the group says in a statement. “This is leading to thousands of people not being able to pay their rent and mortgage payments. Governor Whitmer signed an executive order prohibiting evictions, but that order expires Friday, May 15. We cannot let evictions resume and we must do whatever we can to pressure Michigan to protect people’s homes and prevent the next housing crisis.”

As they drive through downtown Detroit, the group urges protesters to “Make Signs for your car! Make Noise! Show that we are not going to sit by and watch as people get thrown out of their homes during a pandemic!”

The group also encourages supporters to flood the Governor’s office with phone calls urging them to meet their demands. Other groups such as No Rent Michigan are also organizing call-in campaigns on the same day with similar demands.

Detroit Eviction Defense is a coalition of homeowners, union members, faith-based activists, community advocates, and allied groups united in the struggle against foreclosure and eviction in Detroit, Michigan. Through grassroots advocacy, direct action and peaceful protest, Detroit Eviction Defense helps defend families against eviction and foreclosure. Find them as Detroit Eviction Defense on Facebook and at detroitevictiondefense.net.

The Facebook event page set up for the protest by organizers can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/843562456173781/

 

What:
Car caravan protest calling for housing relief during coronavirus pandemic

WHO:
Detroit Eviction Defense and supporters

When:
Wednesday May 13 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where:

Protesters will meet at 2120 Russel in Detroit and drive in a caravan down Woodward Avenue, then circle the Cadillac Building on 3044 W Grand Blvd. in Detroit