More than half of Mississippi’s estimated 352,000 renter-households are at risk of eviction if Congress doesn’t extend protections for families struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to researchers. More than 33 percent of all Mississippians said they missed last month’s rent/mortgage payment or believed they wouldn’t be able to pay the next one on time, Census survey results show, making Mississippi the third most vulnerable state in the nation for housing – behind Texas and Louisiana. Congress remained locked at the end of the week on a second COVID-19 relief after crucial protections expired July 31. The state is doling out millions in rental assistance, but it’s a fraction of what’s needed. Some 20 years ago, eviction filings were rare (maybe twice a week), according to Rachel Harris, newly appointed Lee County Justice Court Clerk. In recent years, the court has seen two or three a day among a population of about 85,000. The Stout Risius Ross advisory firm shows as many as 58 percent of Mississippi renters are at risk of eviction. The national figure is about 43 percent. (Source: Mississippi Today 08/13/20) https://mississippitoday.org/2020/08/13/over-half-of-mississippi-renters-could-face-eviction-during-pandemic-without-help-from-congress/
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