More Families Facing Eviction

Evictions were the focus of the meeting of the Emergency Assistance Coalition (EAC) on January 4. The EAC is a network of nonprofit, faith-based, government, and community advocates organized to support a coordinated and collaborative approach to providing safety net services. The Coalition is coordinated by Interfaith Works. 

 A number of issues were discussed, including the low eviction filing fee for landlords in the state of Maryland. Advocates say the low fee has led to repeated eviction filings against a tenant, which can hurt a tenant’s ability to obtain stable housing. 

County Sheriff Maxwell Uy addressed the group, sharing recent statistics indicating evictions are surging with the expiration of COVID-related moratoria and increases in rental costs.  

 “I am concerned at seeing these numbers tick up,” Uy said. He described the specific role the Sheriff’s Office plays in executing on evictions, noting, “I would be happy personally if we did no eviction.” He said under his watch, no evictions will take place on weekends or in inclement weather. Uy said he is committed to working in partnership with County agencies and social service organizations to mitigate evictions, including negotiating alternatives and providing financial assistance through available programs. 

Ilana Branda, Deputy Chief of Services to End and Prevent Homelessness with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), described programs to provide rental assistance and prevent evictions. She noted the difficult challenge of rents that are rising: “It is harder and harder to make ends meet” for lower-income families.  

We are grateful to Sheriff Uy and Ms. Branda for participating in the meeting.