CNN Speaks with AVLF on Housing Insecurity, Unemployment
ASHLEIGH STARNES | July 31, 2020
As the federal unemployment wages are set to expire, low-income tenants are worried about losing their homes.
“Every month, even working multiple jobs, I’m robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
Pamela Frank is one of millions in Georgia and around the country whose income has been affected by the pandemic. Like so many other tenants in our city, Pamela is facing financial instability that threatens to displace her.
As the federal unemployment assistance is running out, Atlanta families are wondering how to make ends meet and stay in their homes. Our staff attorneys, volunteers, and emergency financial assistance staff are working around the clock to keep Atlanta tenants in stable housing throughout the pandemic.
Our staff attorneys, volunteers, and emergency financial assistance staff are working around the clock to keep Atlanta tenants in stable housing throughout the pandemic.
In this clip, CNN speaks with Pamela about her experience, as well as Standing with Our Neighbors Staff Attorney Pierce Hand.
“I think what we are facing is a possible mass eviction scenario,” says Pierce. “If you can’t pay [your rent and utilities], you could lose your subsidized housing and face homelessness.”
If you can’t pay [your rent and utilities], you could lose your subsidized housing and face homelessness.
By managing the immediate housing needs of Atlanta tenants, the SWON program is able to stabilize a family, leading to more stable schools, and a more robust, thriving community. The program has been featured in the press several times, including a national segment on CBS This Morning.
Learn more about the Standing with Our Neighbors program and its impact.
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.
