New York – Today, the Center for Popular Democracy, joined by the Green New Deal Network, One PA, Action NC, Make the Road Nevada and other activists kicked off a “National Week of Action” calling on elected officials to develop bold plans to address the converging climate and housing disasters. Over the coming week, people across the nation will come together and participate in actions demanding that elected officials deliver transformational change for frontline communities most impacted by our broken housing system, climate-related disasters and COVID-19.
These actions include:
- Monday, March 29: Launching a petition calling on the Biden administration to address housing and climate with bold action through the THRIVE Agenda, the Green New Deal and the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act.
- Wednesday, March 31: holding a “National Day of Action” led by the Green New Deal Network. These 51 events — held both virtually and in-person — will be held across the U.S. from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Saint Paul, Minnesota and Tamuning, Guam
- Thursday, April 1: Digital press conference with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and speakers from California, Maryland, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania
- Wednesday, April 7: Time to Thrive Drive-in Rally, Orlando, Florida (Tinker FIeld)
Demands from activists to the Biden administration include passing the THRIVE Agenda — currently pending in Congress — to deliver real climate solutions, supporting the Green New Deal to transition the country to become carbon-free, democratic and pro-worker, backing the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act to show that housing is a fundamental right, and ensuring that protecting the climate and fixing our broken housing system is infused into every part of the Biden administration’s Build Back Better plan.
“This moment presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to pass legislation that finally addresses the dual climate and housing crises,” said Jennifer Epps-Addison, co-executive director at the Center for Popular Democracy. “We will no longer accept a reality where climate change disproportionately hurts Black and Brown communities and families. As the country begins to build back from the COVID-19 catastrophe, now is the time to pressure elected officials to protect those most at risk and ensure everyone can live in a place that is safe and stable — and where they can thrive.”
“I live in an apartment where I have received the 7 days notice to leave, but I have never stopped paying my rent. These notices make me feel frustrated and helpless in that the rules and laws concerning housing are not fair for tenants. It is time that together as a community we raise our voices and demand what we need; what we need is protection for tenants, not only for landlords. What will happen after the eviction moratorium expires? People need debt relief, what has been done so far is not enough. The current eviction moratorium, honestly, doesn’t help me at all, it only causes more anxiety and restlessness in a time where the concern for my health and that of my family is at the forefront of my thoughts.” Arela Sanchez, member leader of Make the Road Nevada.
The “National Week of Action” coincides with a Congressional recess that has been renamed “recovery recess” by activists demanding that elected officials go bold and go big for communities that need their support.
Follow #OurPlanetOurHome and #recoveryrecess on social media for updates and actions.