coronavirus
As Courts Reopen, An Eviction Crisis Looms
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In a surprise move late last month, the state’s high court changed its plan and began allowing eviction filings a month early.
Health
Though Evictions Are Paused, Late Fees Accrue For Some Renters
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When the first of the month came, Katrice Gill couldn’t make rent. The part-time, in-home health aide and single mother usually has no trouble paying the $200 monthly contribution to her Section 8 subsidized rent, plus utilities. But with schools closed, she’s home with her four young kids, and the grocery bill has ballooned.
Gill, 32, said she tried to call her landlord, but didn’t get a call back. Then, on April 7, the landlord sent an email with the subject line in all caps: PAST DUE NOTICE.
With the message came an added charge: she was assessed a late fee of $91, nearly 45 percent of what she usually pays in rent. “I’m just really stressed out,” she said.
Government
The Rent Is Due. What If You Can’t Pay?
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It’s the first new month since the coronavirus swept into Kentucky, and for thousands of families, that means the rent is due. Many, though, may struggle to pay that bill this month. The spreading COVID-19 pandemic has led to the shuttering of scores of business, sparking layoffs and furloughs. Renters make up about 33 percent of Kentucky’s 1.7 million households, according to data from the Metropolitan Housing Coalition. The rate is slightly higher in Jefferson County, where renters account for about 38 percent of households.
Government
Update: Sheriff Stops Enforcing Evictions In Louisville
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There are more than 60 eviction orders scheduled in Louisville for this week.
Government
Instability Grows As Louisville Eviction Rate Doubles National Average
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Data shows that poverty rates climb and populations wane in the neighborhoods where evictions have been the most common over the last 16 years.
Hi, I’m Jasmine Demers, a reporter for KyCIR covering issues related to youth and social services. I’m also a corps member with Report For America, a national program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities.