General

Eviction Defense Collaborative Continues to Assist Renters During Pandemic

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA. The Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) continues to fight against the impact that COVID-19 has on those who pay rent. The nonprofit’s office is currently closed to clients but is still available online and by phone. Those who have received a Summons & Complaint or have been served a notice may contact the assistance line at (415) 659-9184 or email EDC here.

The pandemic has caused many Americans to have financial issues, but for those who can no longer rely on a steady paycheck to pay their rent can be in immense danger. Problems associated with evictions in San Francisco have increased, and if people are forced out of their homes, this can aggravate the already deadly health crisis.

According to the EDC Right to Counsel Coordinator at the time of the interview, Michael Chen, many in the community are being asked to choose between buying groceries or paying rent, and have had their financial situation worsened by the pandemic. Chen elaborates on the purpose of the organization.

“We provide free legal services for people facing eviction in San Francisco (just ranked one of the most gentrifying cities in the US!),” Chen said. “Almost all landlords have attorneys when they begin eviction proceedings but almost no tenants have their own attorneys, and many cannot afford them. Our services fill the gap between this obvious power imbalance and essentially help provide a voice for tenants who are getting evicted. The easiest way to think of this is like public defenders, but for evictions.”

Chen said that some of the services have seen increased demand.

“Because of San Francisco’s relatively strong tenant protections during COVID, our legal clinic which helps tenants file answers and find attorneys has been less busy,” Chen said. “However, our rental assistance department has been extremely busy as many, many more tenants face income insecurity and are being harassed by their landlords to pay rent, despite the Mayor’s Moratorium.”

Most of those who utilize the EDC’s services are low-income and work in the service or gig industry, which can mean that their finances are not consistent.

According to Chen, to help the EDC you can: “Call legislators and advocate for stronger tenant protections – not just delaying payment but significantly reducing payment burden. We also accept donations through our website and funds go directly towards saving housing of the most vulnerable populations in San Francisco, preventing either homelessness or mass exodus of low-income folks from San Francisco.”

From The Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC):

If you believe the office may be able to help with financial assistance (RADCo) for the payment of rent, please call (415) 470-5211 or email us here

The EDC provides legal assistance to people who are in legal proceedings for eviction in San Francisco. Learn more here.

If you are behind on rent, you may be able to avoid having an eviction filed against you. Learn more here.

The Shelter Client Advocates work with residents of homeless shelters funded by the City and County of San Francisco to monitor shelter conditions and the application of shelter rules. Learn more here.

EDC is the Lead Agency to design and implement San Francisco Right to Counsel. Universal right to counsel in eviction is a proven and cost-effective way of keeping people housed. Learn more here.