tenants afraid of evictions

Economic radar since the coronavirus epidemic began...the greater lexington apartment association says thirty-percent of landlords have many tenants already near eviction.

But abc 36's christy bollinger tells us about a program that can help renters and landlords better work through this crisis.

Take vo: the governor suspended evictions during the coronavirus pandemic...but at some point, they will start again...housing groups say it could be as early as july.

That has big ramifications take sot: "people who are impacted and have affordable housing and they lose it, we're gonna see a greater number of people experiencing homelessness come september and october."

Take vo:to get ahead of the curve, the catholic action center, the fair housing council, the apartment association and others have created the covid-19 renter help program.

Take sot: "this is to provide a mediation between the landlord and the tenant, so that they can work together and figure out a way to keep people in their homes."

Take vo: gabriela deleon is one of those in the crosshairs.

She lost her job in march and hasn't received an unemployment check... take sot: "as a single mom of a six year old, you don't know what to do you're hopeless."

Take sot: "i will fight for my place to stay because it's not that i don't want to pay ya know i want to pay because like i said it's my child's home."

Take vo:it's been almost three months since she's paid rent ... her landlord has used the 'e' word take sot: "no one should be kicked out.

We didn't plan to be in this situation."

Take vo: apartment association director brenda wells says landlords aren't the bad guys.

They havde payroll, taxes, maintenance to pay, too.... take sot: "it's a downward spiral that could be, it could continue to get worse as long as this lasts."

Take vo:that's where 'renters' help' comes in... it answers questions about renters' rights, how to talk with the landlord and where people might get help...the idea is to face some parts of the eviction crisis now rather than later take sot: "the social service groups and the churches do have funds that are set up to help with the rental and utility assistance."

Take vo: for more information on the program, visit our website wtvq.com.

Christy bollinger, abc 36 news.

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