Housing advocates are calling attention to eviction policies in Forsyth County as part of a statewide campaign called “Housing is a Human Right.”

Groups across the state are calling for robust measures to protect tenants facing eviction during the pandemic. They’re asking to have the lapsed eviction moratorium reinstated, rent cancellation for those unable to pay, and for the passage of House Bill 1200.

That bill proposes to direct $200 million in federal coronavirus relief funds towards homeowner and renter assistance.

At issue in Forsyth County is how many days are given between an eviction filing and a scheduled hearing. State Supreme Court Justice Cheri Beasley has authorized up to a 30-day window, but Forsyth County is only offering seven days. 

Eric Weiss is with the advocacy group Housing Justice Now.

“The thing that we have been doing and will continue to do, is to go to the courts — in-person, as safely as we can —and let people know their rights,” says Weiss. “Help advocate for people. That is some of the best work and the most consistent work that we have been doing, and we will continue doing.”

According to data collected by the group, since June 22 there have been over 1,100 eviction hearings in Winston-Salem alone.

When compared to WFDD data from 2018, that's over 300 more for the same period across the entire county.

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you’re experiencing.