Commissioner Eudaly Joins Portland Unions in Calling for Eviction Freeze

The coronavirus’ spread has already forced thousands of Portlanders to stay home from work, shutter their businesses, lay off employees, and lose their jobs entirely. In hopes of slowing the damage COVID-19’s economic impacts will have on low-income Portlanders, City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly and union leaders have called on local government to place a moratorium on evictions, rent hikes, and mortgage payments.

“With the spread of viral pandemic at our doorstep… thousands of Portlanders are one paycheck away from not being able to make their rent or mortgage payments, [and] thousands of businesses are at risk of not making their payroll,” said Eudaly at a morning press conference in Lownsdale Square. “Our systemic failures are on full display.”

Eudaly’s call echoes a petition that began circulating this week by Portland Tenants United (PTU), a union representing renters, calling for an eviction freeze until the COVID-19 crisis ends. PTU co-chair Margot Black opened the press conference by pointing across the street to the Multnomah County Courthouse, where a judge was approving evictions for dozens of Portlanders—a practice that takes place daily in the courthouse.

“There are 42 people right now in Multnomah County Courthouse finding out if they are going to lose their homes,” said PTU co-chair Margot Black. “Every leader is telling us to shelter in place and to cancel everything. The last thing we should be doing is allowing people to be unhoused right now.”

Union leaders with Laborers Local 43, AFSCME, and SEIU Local 503 also spoke in support of an eviction moratorium.

“Those who enter a business of providing shelter to human being are subject to a moral law,” said Steve Demarest, president of SEIU Local 503. “That law is you treat people like human beings. In this city, if someone shelters an animal, it’s illegal to put that animal out on the street. It’s cruel to the animal and it’s not healthy for the community. That should be the law for human beings.”

While Eudaly is a member of Portland City Council, she doesn’t have the authority on her own to issue an eviction moratorium. She told the crowd that she’s been meeting with officials at all levels of government to make it happen.

“We must act, not just by pouring money into the stock market, but providing direct relief to businesses and workers,” Eudaly said. “I’m afraid for my family and yours.”

Tim Becker, a spokesperson for Mayor Ted Wheeler, said that city leaders have been in meetings with the city’s legal team discussing a moratorium and that “all options are on the table.” It’s unlikely, however, that the city will make a decision before the end of the day Friday, Becker added.

Portland wouldn’t be the first city to freeze evictions due to the COVID-19’s spread. San Jose’s city council introduced a temporary moratorium on evictions on Tuesday. According to the San Jose Mercury News, the month-long moratorium will only apply to “residents who can document that they cannot pay rent due to a substantial loss of income related to the virus.” New York City and Los Angeles are considering a similar freeze.

Demarest said it’s now on elected officials to step up.

“That truth that’s going to come out is whether this city government is organized for everyone, or if it is organized for the benefit of some at the expense of others,” he said. “Whether they will tolerate the sacrifice of the health and lives of others for the perceived interest of some. Now is the time for the best of this city to show their conviction or make it clear that some are excluded.”