The unhoused and precariously housed face a far greater risk from COVID-19 than the securely housed. We cannot allow more people to fall into homelessness during this national emergency. Doing so not only violates the dignity of our neighbors but also risks their health and the health of our entire city.

Please sign this petition to tell Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri, Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Dutra, and council members Josue Alvarado, Henry Bouchot, and Cathy Warner to immediately enact a sweeping moratorium against the eviction of any tenant in the City of Whittier, or the shut off of their utilities during the COVID-19 state of emergency, and for 30 days following. 

Additionally, the city must support homeowners at risk of default to prevent their displacement by creating a fund to keep homeowners and landlords current on their mortgages, enlisting rent and mortgage assistance from L.A. County Measure H or other funds, and/or enlist the state to stop foreclosures.

The federal government has already taken steps to protect homeowners experiencing coronavirus job loss by reducing or suspending federal home loans:

https://www.npr.org/2020/03/19/818343720/homeowners-hurt-financially-by-the-coronavirus-may-get-a-mortgage-break

California has already taken steps to protect landlords under a disaster relief fund for small business owners:

https://www.sba.gov/offices/disaster/dfocw/resources/1658272

Governor Newsom issued an executive order enabling local jurisdictions to issue an eviction moratorium to protect residents and businesses:

https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.16.20-Executive-Order.pdf

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors subsequently enacted an eviction moratorium to protect residents and businesses:

https://www.facebook.com/lapublichealth/videos/137870180981495/

Cities like Pasadena are following suit:

http://www.pasadenanow.com/main/council-oks-eviction-moratorium-other-relief-to-help-ease-covid-19-economic-impact

Most recently, Governor Newsom issued a stay at home order to all Californians:

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/03/19/governor-gavin-newsom-issues-stay-at-home-order/

Staying at home requires a home. We ask that the Whittier City Council protect Whittier’s residents and businesses--and the public's health--by enacting an eviction moratorium at the next council meeting on March 24.