COVID-Displaced Renters May Lead a Revolution

Kumar Barve, Legislator Maryland House of Delegates

Legislator Kumar Barve of the Maryland House of Delegates says the looming eviction crisis is a “humanitarian catastrophe” and widespread evictions could lead to a revolution. Barve has written to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan asking him to extend the state’s eviction moratorium, which is set to expire in August.

What Will it Take to End Homelessness?

Dr. Margot Kushel, Director, UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations

Dr. Margot Kushel, professor at UCSF and director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, says homelessness has always been a crisis of structural racism and the lack of affordable housing. COVID-related evictions could lead to a 20-40 percent increase in homelessness, disproportionately affecting communities of color. The HEROES Act, if approved, would provide dramatic relief to renters. In the longer term, the U.S. needs a vast expansion of low-income housing and rental support.

The Shadow Pandemic: 28 Million Renters Face Eviction

Emily A. Benfer, visiting professor and director of the Health Justice Clinic at Wake Forest School of Law

America was already in the throes of a severe housing crisis before the pandemic struck, says Emily A. Benfer, visiting professor and director of the Health Justice Clinic at Wake Forest School of Law. Now, 50 million renters live in households that have suffered COVID-related income loss. Without meaningful government aid, millions could become homeless.

The COVID Pandemic’s Devastating Impact on Renters

Nisha Vyas, senior housing attorney at the Western Center on Law and Poverty

With widespread unemployment and limited government aid, a massive eviction crisis is looming, says Nisha Vyas, senior housing attorney at the Western Center on Law and Poverty. Even before the pandemic, there were few resources to help low-income tenants fight evictions, and despite COVID-19 eviction moratoriums, landlords are still trying to displace tenants.

Providing Shelter During the COVID Storm

Akash Kalia, hotelier

Akash Kalia, who converted his parents’ hotel into permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans and civilians, says hotel and motel conversions are a lifeline both for those facing homelessness and the hospitality industry, which has been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENCOURAGING ALL ELIGIBLE LA COUNTY RESIDENTS TO APPLY TO THE 2020 LA COUNTRY CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION

WHEN/WHERE: Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 11am to Noon, online video conference

WHY: Every 10 years a Citizens Redistricting Commission is formed by L.A. County to adjust the boundary lines of L.A. County’s five Supervisorial Districts. The Commission must represent L.A. County’s diversity, reflecting the racial, ethnic, geographic, and gender makeup of the region. The adjustments the Commission will make are designed to ensure local legislatures are representative of the County’s population. This is critical work – how and where districts are drawn can shape a community’s ability to elect the representative of their choice. All L.A. County residents that are registered voters and meet the eligibility criteria can apply! Applications are due by August 31, 2020.

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RECENT EVENTS

THE SCIENCE OF COVID-19: WHAT STILL DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS, TREATMENTS AND VACCINE, STOPPING THE SPREAD

WHEN/WHERE: August 14, 11:15 am-12:15 pm PDT, online video conference

WHY: Seven months into the pandemic, what have we learned about the virus and what do we need to know? How close are we to a vaccine and what treatments work best? Why haven’t we been able to stop the spread? Three leading experts will address these and related questions in a one-hour discussion. Because of their teaching schedules, we need to schedule the conference at 11:15-12:15.

AMIDST PANDEMIC, TRUMP ESCALATES WAR ON IMMIGRANTS

WHEN/WHERE: August 7, 11 am-12 pm PST, online video conference

WHY: Immigrants, who make up a significant portion of the nation’s essential workers, have nonetheless been targeted by the Trump administration during the pandemic. This briefing will explore the huge number of changes to immigration policy in recent months, with deep dives into DACA, Temporary Protected Status, and business immigration.

EVICTION THREAT LOOMS – 350 LATINX FAMILIES FIGHT BACK IN EAST PALO ALTO

WHEN/WHERE: August 3, 11 am-12 pm PST, online video conference

WHY: Three families who rent apartments in East Palo Alto, lost work due to COVID-19 and now face eviction share their stories and how they organized to form a wider network to renegotiate with landlords. The briefing will also feature local city officials and nonprofit leaders.

DISTANCE LEARNING FOR K-12: CAN IT BE DONE WITH EQUITY FOR ALL KIDS?

WHEN/WHERE: July 31, 11 am-12 pm PST, online video conference

WHY: Most school districts across the country will rely on distance learning or hybrid models at the beginning of the school year, providing a challenge to educators and parents. As some families seek creative solutions –learning pods, tutors- what can be done to make sure that vulnerable and low income students who have limited options do not fall further behind?

2020 CENSUS – RISK OF UNDERCOUNT LOOMS AS DOOR KNOCKING BEGINS

WHEN/WHERE: July 24, 11 am-12 pm PST, online video conference

WHY: As enumerators get ready to knock on doors starting August 11 to follow up on households that failed to self-respond to the Census questionnaire, and the Trump Administration issues a policy order seeking to bar undocumented immigrants from being counted for reapportionment, experts provide updates on what states and populations are being left behind, how enumerators will deal with the pandemic, and what options are available if there is a huge undercount.

PANDEMICS, WILDFIRES, EARTHQUAKES, FLOODS – FIVE STEPS CALIFORNIANS NEED TO KNOW TO PREPARE FOR FUTURE DISASTERS

WHEN/WHERE: July 23, 10 am-11 am PST, online video conference

WHY: Listos California is a grassroots campaign anchored in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Office of Emergency Preparedness to build a culture of disaster preparedness across the state. Listos research reveals that 88% of Californians are aware of the need to prepare but many (66%) are scared, feel it’s too expensive (61%) or don’t have time (54%). Speakers will share information on what could be free, easy and life-saving steps to take now for possible future disasters as well as one key step to stay safe in the COVID-19 pandemic.

FALLOUT FROM THE PANDEMIC: A TSUNAMI OF EVICTIONS POISED TO HIT U.S.

WHEN/WHERE: July 17, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: Millions of workers laid off during the COVID pandemic have not been able to pay their rents. State and local politicians have enacted eviction moratoriums. But many of those protections are set to expire in August, setting off a tidal wave of evictions. Speakers will explore who is most at risk, measures to extend the moratoriums, and litigation and advocacy aimed at protecting tenants.

CALIFORNIA’S HOTTEST SPOT FOR COVID-19: IMPERIAL COUNTY’S LESSONS FOR FIGHTING THE SURGE

WHEN/WHERE: July 10, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: Imperial county has the highest COVID-19 infection rate in California – six times higher than the state average – and the case load is rising, ICU units are 98% full. One fourth of residents live in poverty, 85% are Latino. The county is a microcosm of the racial and economic disparities that fuel the surge. Why have public health strategies failed so far? What do those advocating for the most vulnerable residents – farmworkers, low wage essential workers – think should be done?

GOOD NEWS IN CHALLENGING TIMES: SAN MATEO COUNTY LEADS STATE IN CENSUS SELF RESPONSE RATES 

WHEN/WHERE: June 30, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY:Listos California is a grassroots campaign anchored in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Office of Emergency Preparedness to build a culture of disaster preparedness across the state. Listos research reveals that 88% of Californians are aware of the need to prepare but many (66%) are scared, feel it’s too expensive (61%) or don’t have time (54%). Speakers will share information on what could be free, easy and life-saving steps to take now for possible future disasters as well as one key step to stay safe in the COVID-19 pandemic.

STRATEGIES FOR KEEPING IMMIGRANT FAMILIES HEALTHY AND SAFE

WHEN/WHERE: June 26, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: COVID-19 is having a disparate impact on communities of color and immigrants as widespread fear and confusion fueled by anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies prevent many immigrants from accessing health care and other services. This briefing will provide information about the programs and supports immigrants are eligible for, explain how to access them, and share an on-the-ground view of the impact of the pandemic on immigrant communities. Advocates will also share what is happening to fight for the inclusion of immigrants in future legislation.

SPOTTING AND AVOIDING SCAMS TARGETING DIVERSE COMMUNITIES IN INDIANAPOLIS + INDIANA

WHEN/WHERE: June 25, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM EST, online video conference

WHY: Every year, scammers steal hundreds of millions of dollars from people, selling fake services and worthless products. Scammers pretending to be the government threaten people with jail if they don’t pay nonexistent fines or fees. Our briefing will bring together public officials, legal aid providers, community advocates, and those who’ve experienced fraud to talk with local reporters about how to better inform people and help them protect themselves from scams.

GOING BACK TO “NORMAL” IS NOT AN OPTION AS U.S. SYSTEMS FAIL – CAN WE IMAGINE A MORE EQUITABLE FUTURE?

WHEN/WHERE: June 19, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: The inadequacy of America’s health care, economic, and policing systems has been laid bare by a perfect storm of crises that are hitting the country at the same time.  Four experts in the fields of race relations and criminal justice reform, immigrant integration, the job sector, and health care will share their perspectives on how to reimagine these systems in hopes of building a more equitable future.

WHY ARE OLDER AMERICANS SHOWING THE HIGHEST COVID-19 FATALITY RATES?

WHEN/WHERE: June 12, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY:8 out of 10 COVID-related deaths in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years old and older, reports the Centers for Disease Control. Up to 70 percent of COVID 19 hospitalizations are of people aged 85 or older in certain communities.

TRACKING THE PANDEMIC: CAUGHT IN THE GRIP OF A TRIPLE CRISIS – HOW DOES AMERICA MOVE FORWARD?

WHEN/WHERE: June 5, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY:The United States is in the grip of a triple crisis: the COVID 19 pandemic, the resulting economic collapse and an eruption of civil unrest over racial injustice. What have we learned and what can we do to address the deep seated structural inequalities these crises reveal. EMS has invited leaders and advocates in the civil rights and racial justice field to share their recommendations.

CALL-TO-ACTION TO SAN FRANCISCO PARENTS: COUNT US IN!

WHEN/WHERE: June 3, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY: EMS announce the winners of an Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) – sponsored city-wide contest for 14-21 year-olds on “Why My Family Counts” and introduces four of the 100-plus contestants. Census advocates document how San Francisco is behind the state-wide average in self-response rates, possible reasons why and what is to be done.

STRATEGIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE

WHEN/WHERE: May 29, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY:A majority of “mom and pop” small businesses are founded by ethnic Americans. Many have been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. EMS’s May 29 briefing brings together experts to discuss strategies for recovery and even long-term growth. Overall, 90 percent of minority and women founded business were shut out of the Paycheck Protection Program.

THE SHADOW PANDEMIC: COVID-19’S IMPACT ON WOMEN

WHEN/WHERE: May 22, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY: Experts will present and discuss a UN Women Report that explains how the crisis has exacerbated gender inequality, discuss the history of women and pandemics and track the rise of domestic violence and impact on key women issues going forward.

CENSUS DELAYS – WHAT TEXAS REDISTRICTING MEANS FOR IMMIGRANTS AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

WHEN/WHERE: May 20, 1 PM – 2 PM CST, online video conference

WHY: A delay in the census because of COVID-19 pandemic could push Texas redistricting into legislative overtime. Next year’s redistricting round will be the first time in nearly half a century that the Texas legislature can redraw maps without any federal supervision to ensure they don’t discriminate against communities of color.

CORONAVIRUS SCAMS, HOW TO AVOID THEM, RESOURCES FOR DEALING WITH THE PANDEMIC’S FINANCIAL IMPACT

WHEN/WHERE: May 15, 11-11:30 PM PST (English) & 11:30-12 PM PST (Spanish), online video conference

WHY: Two experts – both lawyers with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency – will share information on Coronavirus scams they’re seeing, advice on how to avoid them, and resources for getting through the pandemic’s financial impact.

MIDDLE EASTERN NORTH AFRICAN (MENA) AND THE 2020 CENSUS – THE STAKES FOR POLITICAL REPRESENTATION

WHEN/WHERE: May 13, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: An online video conference with ethnic and community media from California to discuss the challenges of engaging Middle Eastern and North African communities in the 2020 census, featuring media, community leaders, and stakeholders.

COVID-19’S IMPACT ON THE DEVELOPING WORLD

WHEN/WHERE: May 8, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: The UN World Food Program predicts “hunger pandemics”; migration flows have ground to a halt; desperate people seek survival in the forests, putting the rainforest at risk. Experts review the trends as the pandemic spreads to the developing world. Global leadership will have to address these crises as an integral part of the pandemic.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC – CAN AMERICA SAFELY GO BACK TO WORK IN MAY?

WHEN/WHERE: May 1, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: An online video conference discussing the COVID-19 pandemic, the California government’s response to the crisis, health disparities among Latinos and African Americans, and the impact on children and education.

HOW TO DETECT AND REPORT ON DISINFORMATION

WHEN/WHERE: April 24, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: Ethnic media are trusted messengers but we are inundated with mis- and dis-information about issues crucial to our communities – from the 2020 census to the pandemic to elections. EMS is honored to host a seminar with two of the country’s leading disinformation experts. The zoom conference call will cover real-world examples of census disinformation and offer recommendations for how to report on disinformation responsibly.

TRACKING THE PANDEMIC – A CONVERSATION WITH CALIFORNIA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER RICARDO LARA

WHEN/WHERE: April 22, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: California’s worker compensation system aims to provide medical and wage benefits to those injured on the job. What happens when workers deemed “essential” get sick from COVID-19 on the job? Many are uninsured or underinsured or are undocumented. What are California authorities doing to keep employers and insurers in check.

COVID-19 VIDEO CONFERENCE: PANDEMIC IMPACT ON ETHNIC POPULATIONS

WHEN/WHERE: April 17, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: An ethnic media briefing on the ongoing COVID-19 situation, including an update on the pandemic and briefing on statewide initiatives to mitigate the impact.

ACCESSING HEALTHCARE AND OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES DURING THE PANDEMIC

WHEN/WHERE: April 8, online video conference

WHY: This will be EMS’s third online briefing for ethnic news media to hear from Medical and legal experts and advocates about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the health and wellbeing of their communities EMS will host these telebriefings on a weekly basis over the next eight to ten weeks.

CALIFORNIA COMPLETE COUNT – CENSUS 2020 BRIEFING

WHEN/WHERE: April 1, online video conference

WHY: The telebriefing gives you direct access to California’s leading expert on the census, Ditas Katague, Director of California Complete Count office for the 2020 census.

COVID-19 BRIEFING – THE BASICS FOR ALL COMMUNITIES

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 27, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST (English) / 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM PST (Spanish)

WHY: Public health officials, frontline health care providers, legal experts & advocates addressed major concerns for all communities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE HIGH STAKES FOR FLORIDA’S DIVERSE COMMUNITIES IN THE 2020 CENSUS

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 24, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST online video conference

WHY: An online video conference with ethnic and community media from Miami-Dade & Broward Counties to discuss the challenges of engaging Florida’s diverse communities in the 2020 census.  Learn why advocates see the census as a tool of empowerment for their communities.

CENSUS BRIEFING: THE STAKES FOR PACIFIC ISLANDERS

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 14, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PST, Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, San Mateo

WHY: The population of Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians in California has grown dramatically over the last decade, yet the community remains largely invisible.  The census is an ideal opportunity to strengthen communications with these groups.

ADDRESSING SECURITY OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY ISSUES

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 13, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

WHY: Leading civil rights advocates and states census officials will host a telephone press briefing to discuss the start of the 2020 census, protections around census data confidentiality, and the work being done to encourage participation across the country.

CALIFORNIA CENSUS ROUNDTABLE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN MEDIA

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 9, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PST Pala Casino Spa and Resort, Pala

WHY: A roundtable on the 2020 Census in California featuring representatives from the Census Bureau, Native American media and community leaders, and stakeholders and experts.

THE HIGH STAKES FOR SOUTH, SOUTHEAST, & CENTRAL ASIANS IN THE 2020 CENSUS

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 5, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST Chinese for Affirmative Action, San Francisco

WHY: A focus on South, Southeast, and Central Asian populations, to amplify the voice & activities of community leaders working to promote the Census and strengthen communications outreach by building connections to nonprofits and ethnic media.

Stay tuned for our exclusive event coverage on these events.