NOAH Affordable Housing Task Force Wins Rent/Mortgage Assistance to Stop Evictions

"Peace be with you" is a traditional greeting in Hebrew, Christian, and Islamic traditions.  But this "peace" is not just the absence of conflict.  It means "completeness," "wholeness," and having what you need. 

Many Nashvillians are desperate for peace, for wholeness in the COVID-19 economic crisis – especially those facing eviction.  A few facts:

• Thousands of Nashville residents are facing eviction due to job loss. 

• As of July 22, 3,583 evictions had been filed – and many more since then.

• In July, 31% of Tennesseans missed paying last month’s rent or mortgage or have no confidence they can pay next month. 

• Metro had received $121 million in federal CARES Act funding to help with COVID-19 related problems. 

The NOAH Affordable Housing Task Force wanted to see $10-$15 million of Metro’s CARES Act monies allocated for a rent assistance fund.   We organized an email campaign to members of the COVID-19 Financial Oversight Committee, the Mayor, and the Metro Council.  One committee member told us she had received 120 emails from NOAH members!

On August 3, this committee voted for $10 million to be used for rent and mortgage assistance.  On August 4, the Metro Council approved that amount, after receiving a second round of NOAH emails.  We know this is not enough, but it is a good beginning! 

Thanks to all of you who sent an email and made a big difference!   You helped Nashville say, “Peace be with you” to people who desperately need that peace!