WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren applauded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for releasing federal guidance on how local governments can make sure that their nuisance ordinances don’t endanger survivors of domestic violence and other victims of crime.
“Domestic violence survivors, crime victims, and other people should never be forced to choose between calling 911 and keeping a roof over their heads. But nuisance ordinances do exactly that by threatening – even forcing – eviction when tenants call for help ‘too many’ times. Along with 28 of my Democratic colleagues, I pressed the Department of Housing and Urban Development to address these troubling consequences of nuisance ordinances. I’m glad to see that this announcement sends a clear message that housing-related ordinances must protect people – not leave them homeless,” said Senator Warren.
Local nuisance ordinances are aimed at combating crime and ensuring public safety, but unfortunately, they can also have the unintended consequence of pressuring victims of crime-including survivors of domestic violence-to stay silent instead of calling for emergency assistance after an incident has occurred.
Yesterday’s action by HUD came on the heels of pressure from Senators Warren, Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) – along with 26 of their colleagues – who urged action to address barriers to safe housing for victims and their children.
(NOTE: The above press release is from Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Office.)
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