Thousands across Missouri were forced to withhold rent last week, due to lack of income or other financial strains. Mortgage holders are struggling to make ends meet, too. Tens of thousands of Missourians are experiencing homelessness and are highly vulnerable to COVID-19. After weeks of organizing, thousands of Missourians calling on the Governor to take appropriate action, and too many stories of tenants and workers who are suffering, Governor Parson has failed to respond.
On Thursday, April 9, Missouri tenants, people experiencing homelessness, and allies will hold a virtual rally to build and express solidarity across the state, and to demand a response from Governor Parson.
The Coalition to Protect Missouri Tenants is comprised of community organizations, labor unions, elected officials, and faith leaders and has demanded that the Governor take the following actions:
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Institute a rent/mortgage suspension
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Enact an immediate, comprehensive statewide eviction/foreclosure moratorium
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Ban utility shut-offs and mandate universal service
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Provide homes and expanded services for people experiencing homelessness
The full set of state demands can be found here. Speakers will be available for questions after the rally ends.
WHAT: #ProtectMOTenants Virtual Rally
WHO: Coalition to Protect Missouri Tenants and allies
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Emcee: Tiana Caldwell, Kansas City tenant
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Victoria Altic, Springfield tenant
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Jesse Montgomery, Centralia factory worker and homeowner
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Becky Amezcua, Kansas City tenant
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Sarah Watkins, St. Louis tenant
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Shuante Hayes, Blue Springs tenant
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Annie Rice, St. Louis Alderwoman
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Steve Jacobs, founder of St. Francis Worker House, Columbia
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Ashley Johnson, Kansas City tenant
WHEN: Thursday April 9, 12 NOON
WHERE:
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Join by ZOOM video: bit.ly/MOTenantsRally
Meeting ID: 513 271 882
Password: tR8L1v5A
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Join by phone: +13126266799 x513271882#
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The Coalition to Protect Missouri Tenants includes over 40 community, labor, and faith organizations across Missouri, including KC Tenants, Missouri Jobs with Justice, Action St. Louis, Kansas Missouri Dream Alliance, Renew Missouri, Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom, Team TIF St. Louis, Service Employees International Union – Healthcare MO/KS, Service Employees International Union Local 1, Service Employees International Union State Council, United Auto Workers Local 249, Springfield NAACP.