Some face eviction after filing applications and waiting months to hear back. //end headline wrapper ?>Get a daily rundown of the top stories on Urban Milwaukee
Karianne, who asked that her last name be withheld, was facing an eviction in April 2020. She applied for multiple rental assistance programs but never heard back, despite numerous attempts to contact them. She ultimately received an eviction notice, which required her to go to court to stay in her home. “There are so many people that need help right now, unfortunately. And I think it’s just a matter of the system is just so backlogged, and so they’re just drowning right now,” she says. Karianne now volunteers with the Milwaukee Autonomous Tenants Union. She is seen at a friend’s apartment on June 24, 2021 with signs the union brought to a protest against a landlord who recently raised rents. Photo by Will Cioci / Wisconsin Watch
Long waits for federal rental assistance leave Milwaukee-area residents fearing eviction
July 14, 2021 12:01 AM Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism
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Karianne, who asked that her last name be withheld, was facing an eviction in April 2020. She applied for multiple rental assistance programs but never heard back, despite numerous attempts to contact them. She ultimately received an eviction notice, which required her to go to court to stay in her home. “There are so many people that need help right now, unfortunately. And I think it’s just a matter of the system is just so backlogged, and so they’re just drowning right now,” she says. Karianne now volunteers with the Milwaukee Autonomous Tenants Union. She is seen at a friend’s apartment on June 24, 2021 with signs the union brought to a protest against a landlord who recently raised rents. (Will Cioci / Wisconsin Watch)
Keenan Grenell stood patiently in the lobby of the Social Development Commission headquarters on Milwaukee’s north side.
The commission was hosting a pop-up coronavirus vaccination clinic and Grenell had volunteered to help make the clinic run as smooth as possible.
When Gerald Jones walked in, Grenell greeted him and thanked him for coming in to get his vaccine. Grenell shared that his father had died from COVID-19, and Jones expressed his sympathy.
“I’d rather you fight with it than without it,” Grenell said as he escorted Jones to get his shot.
When Travis Timmons, a young adult, came in for his shot, Grennell encouraged him to talk with his peers about being vaccinated.
Federal judge struck down original order. The Justice Department is appealing the ruling. //end headline wrapper ?>Get a daily rundown of the top stories on Urban Milwaukee
A sign inside a Boost Mobile store on West Atkinson Avenue prompts residents to apply for emergency rental aid to avoid being evicted. Struggling Milwaukee tenants should seek help through rent assistance programs being administered by Community Advocates and the Social Development Commission. Photo taken Sept. 4, 2020 by Coburn Dukehart / Wisconsin Watch.
A federal judge on Wednesday tossed out the federal eviction moratorium, making it easier for landlords to kick out tenants behind in rent.