Housing Coalition Presents Policy Recommendations To Protect Renters

A newly formed group will lobby for stronger protection against eviction during the pandemic.

The Hoosier Housing Needs Coalition says it doesn’t think the state has done enough to outline how it will protect people who may be at risk of being evicted.

The group, led by Prosperity Indiana, recommends the state appoint someone to address issues, establish a hardest-hit fund for renters, and launch a website where people can apply for emergency rental assistance.

Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana Executive Director Amy Nelson says it’s important to be proactive.

"So that we can try and stave off an eviction pandemic that might be coming when the moratorium is eventually lifted," says Nelson. 

Last week Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb did extend an order that halts evictions through June 4.

The group says an estimated 43,000 Hoosiers will become low-income renters because of the pandemic.

Nelson says the coalition builds on work to protect tenants in Indiana.

"The timing just couldn’t be more important to advocate about an equitable response to the COVID-19 pandemic," says Nelson. 

Indiana has some of the highest eviction rates in the country.