CHAPA Files Amicus Brief with Superior Court in Support of the Eviction Moratorium

CHAPA has filed an Amicus Brief In support of the eviction moratorium in the matter of Mitchell Matorin v. Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development which is being heard in Superior Court. Estimates show that 11,500 residents could be in danger of eviction when CARES Act benefits expire this week. The moratorium pauses most evictions so long as the state of emergency is in effect in Massachusetts. The measure does not exempt tenants from the requirement of paying rent.

Safe, healthy and affordable housing for all is critical to stemming the spread of COVID and insuring public health in every community. In addition to ensuring residents can not be forced out of their homes, the moratorium has allowed time for policymakers to commit over $60 million in funds from Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA), and local Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs to be used to preserve tenancies and stabilize properties. 

Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations and Massachusetts Public Health Association joined CHAPA in the filing. The case is expected to be heard later this week.