Civil Rights

Tenant Network RI hosting car parade around State House for eviction moratorium Thursday

Evictions are always inhumane, but especially so during a global public health crisis. Putting families on the street, in shelters, or forced to move into crowded living spaces with friends and family will only spread this virus, and make the lives of those already struggling even more difficult. Tenant Network RI is hosting a Parade to Stop Evictions and Cancel

Rhode Island News: Tenant Network RI hosting car parade around State House for eviction moratorium Thursday

May 26, 2020, 12:58 pm

By Uprise RI Staff

Evictions are always inhumane, but especially so during a global public health crisis. Putting families on the street, in shelters, or forced to move into crowded living spaces with friends and family will only spread this virus, and make the lives of those already struggling even more difficult.


Tenant Network RI is hosting a Parade to Stop Evictions and Cancel Rent/Mortgages scheduled to commence at and following a circular route around the RI State House and portions of downtown on Thursday, May 28, 2020 from 1:30p-2:30.   

The statewide coalition of tenants, neighbors and supporters is demanding a complete eviction moratorium, cancellation of rent and mortgage payments, and forgiveness of all prior rent and mortgage payment obligations during the declared state of emergency and for 120 days after it is lifted. This model has been adopted by several other states including here in Southeastern New England. With projections of tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders out of work and at risk of needing even greater assistance, this is a vital moment to protect all Rhode Islanders during the public health emergency. Tenant Network RI (TNRI) makes these demands in solidarity with everyone most at risk.

As of this release, Rhode Island courts are scheduled to resume eviction proceedings on June 1st. This is cruel, dangerous, and unacceptable. Evictions are always inhumane, but especially so during a global public health crisis. Putting families on the street, in shelters, or forced to move into crowded living spaces with friends and family will only spread this virus, and make the lives of those already struggling even more difficult.

An automotive parade on the streets around the State House will coincide with an on-the-ground presence, including socially distanced members of TNRI on the State House courtyard and lawn, and a virtual program livestreaming the parade with guest speakers dedicated to our cause of housing as a human right. The crowds online or in their cars will demand we get a real eviction moratorium that protects all Rhode Islanders! Participants may use the hashtags #NoEvictionsRI and #CancelRentRI to highlight photos and videos you want to share from the parade, from your living room or backyard, or from (the passenger side of) a car!

Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to please RSVP using the online form.