Evictions are increasing in the United States. The Eviction Lab at Princeton University found that eviction filings were up 78.6% in 2022 compared to 2021. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the end of the federal eviction moratorium, the rising cost of housing, and the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In some cities, the increase in evictions has been particularly dramatic. For example, in Houston, eviction filings were up 56% in April 2023 compared to April 2022. In Minneapolis/St. Paul, they were up 106%.
The increase in evictions is having a devastating impact on low-income families. Many people who are evicted end up becoming homeless, or they are forced to move into substandard housing. This can have a ripple effect on their health, their children’s education, and their ability to find and keep a job.
There are a number of things that can be done to address the problem of evictions. One important step is to provide more rental assistance to low-income families. Another is to pass laws that make it more difficult for landlords to evict tenants. Finally, we need to address the underlying causes of poverty, such as the lack of affordable housing and the lack of good-paying jobs.
If we don’t take action to address the problem of evictions, it will only get worse. More and more people will be forced out of their homes, and the problem of homelessness will continue to grow. We need to act now to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.
