COVID updates
As mentioned in our previous email to you all, things have changed for us at Jesse Tree over the past two weeks as we're sure they have for you as well. Many renters are being affected by economic shutdowns right now. While before we were receiving around 10 calls per day, this week we are receiving closer to 30-40 calls each day from people unable to pay their rent. Thankfully, we were already prepared for emergency response, and we've only had to modify our preexisting programming to bring it to scale and move it remote.
We are now fully operational from our homes and continue to run our Housing Crisis Line, offering information and support to people at risk of eviction, while training up a corps of remote volunteers led by Cassandra. Kyle's case management team continues to provide supportive services and rent to as many families as possible. In March, we provided supportive services to 59 households and paid rent for 31. We are on the tail-end of our process of hiring another case manager and fundraising, and plan to be able to increase our capacity to pay rent for more folks who need it in the months to come.
On March 25 the Idaho Supreme Court issued an eviction moratorium through April 15. As of today court hearings are still moving forward and property owners can continue to file for eviction, but our understanding is that evictions filed after March 25 will not go through the court process until the Idaho Supreme Court's moratorium is lifted. Even though there is an eviction moratorium for now, we are still encouraging tenants to stay as current as possible. If you know anyone who may be unable to pay their rent, we advise the following:
Tenants should communicate with their landlord and tell them what's going on. Landlords and property managers appreciate tenants who are good communicators and are often willing to make things work.
Try to stay as current as possible. Tenants should review their budget and assets and figure out what they can pay, even if it's just in part.
Ask the property owner or manager if they are willing to set up a payment plan, taking into consideration any tax returns and federal stimulus checks coming down the pike.
Ask the landlord if they will consider waiving the remainder of rent considering current circumstances.
Reach out to friends, family, and networks who may be able to provide temporary help. Preventing eviction and homelessness during this time is going to take a community-wide effort.
Call Jesse Tree's Housing Crisis Line 208-383-9486; if you have kids in the home, also call 211 Health & Welfare Navigators and ask for rental assistance.
We will continue to do all that we can during this time. Thank you for your ongoing support and I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy at home.