ASHLEIGH STARNES | March 31, 2020
AVLF has adapted quickly to the new social distancing rules, but the landscape for our clients – and our work – has changed dramatically. Here are the answers to some common questions.
1. Is AVLF open right now?
Yes and no. Our physical offices are closed, but our entire staff has mobilized remotely. Every single staff-person is equipped to work from home as we all shelter in place.
You can learn more about exactly how all of our programs are running in Marty Ellin’s Letter from Leadership for this quarter, or by visiting our COVID-19 information page.
2. How are survivors of intimate partner abuse impacted by this crisis?
Survivors are extremely vulnerable at this time. Many survivors are stuck in their home constantly in the presence of an abuser. They’re less likely to be alone long enough to make it to the courthouse to file TPOs or call DV hotlines without abuser becoming aware, and they’re less likely to leave because of increased financial uncertainty during this crisis.
The situation is intense, and we’re working hard to remain available to survivors in this time of uncertainty.
Further, abusers using COVID-19 as a reason to keep victims from leaving the house and isolate them from friends and family, or use the virus as a scare tactic. (There are risks for those who have already escaped an abusive situation as well.)
The situation is intense, and we’re working hard to remain available to survivors in this time of uncertainty.
3. I heard that evictions are paused in Atlanta. What does that mean, and does it mean tenants are seeing relief?
Unfortunately, the closure of eviction court in Fulton County does not mean that landlords can’t file evictions at this time. Landlords can still e-file, and tenants will have some extra time to respond when the emergency order is lifted. (Right now, it looks like tenants will have an extra 7 days to answer.)
Thousands and thousands of tenants have been laid off or lost their source of income due to the outbreak. In a city where 37% of residents are renters, the consequences of this particular economic crisis are going to be massive.
Some landlords are taking advantage of the confusion and using illegal eviction tactics to force their renters out.
Many landlords are terrified: there has been no formal freeze on mortgage payments. And worse, some landlords are taking advantage of the confusion and using illegal eviction tactics to force their renters out.
When the emergency order is lifted, we expect a giant flood of Atlanta renters who need legal assistance.
We’ve expanded our hours at the Housing Court Assistance Center in the Fulton County Courthouse, and we’re training volunteers now to get ahead of the caseload.
4. Will AVLF’s finances be affected?
Our funding looks a little different right now. We’re requesting emergency funding from several foundations – including the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Way, who just awarded us $150,000.
We’re continuing to seek funding from foundations in this time, but things are scary for everyone right now. If your income has not been affected by this crisis and you would like to financially support us, every $5, $10, $15 donation makes a difference. You can donate here.
5. What about trainings and events? Are those all canceled?
We’ve postponed AVLF at the Movies until August. Otherwise, we’ve either canceled trainings or made them virtual on a case-by-case basis. The most up-to-date information can be found here.
When the courts re-open, we expect an intense wave of both survivors of intimate partner abuse and Atlanta tenants who need legal representation.
6. I have more time on my hands. How can I help?
When the courts re-open, we expect an intense wave of both survivors of intimate partner abuse and Atlanta tenants who need legal representation. We need as much volunteer support from the Atlanta legal community as we can possibly gather right now.
If you’re an attorney and you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out this form.
Click here to fill out our volunteer intake form.
Ashleigh Starnes
Communications Manager
As AVLF’s Communications Manager, Ashleigh develops strategy, design, and content for AVLF’s digital and print communications. She’s deeply committed to sharing resources and education with her community at large – and makes it her mission to support AVLF’s programs and outreach in all they do.
Ashleigh is an Atlanta native. Before joining AVLF, she was a Fulbright Scholar in Turkey. Ashleigh holds a Bachelor’s in English and Linguistics from the University of Georgia. She is also a performance artist, and can occasionally be seen performing movement pieces, poetry, and combinations of the two around Atlanta and beyond.