COVID-19 has made itself known through every aspect of our society. Our schools, shops and restaurants are closed. Thousands of Rochesterians are out of jobs. Despite a blessedly low rate of infection and death thus far, our people have accepted state mandates and sacrificed many freedoms in order to keep this city safe. While D.C. and Albany discuss the details of short term relief packages, medical experts insist that this crisis is far from over and it is once again the people who must bear the financial and social burdens of their indecisiveness. 

     The first of the month is upon us, and many of those laid off have not even been able to sign up for unemployment - let alone receive a check - because the Department of Labor is so overwhelmed by the number of New Yorkers in need. The 2 trillion dollar package signed into law on Friday will not be available for a minimum of three weeks, and may take several months for many to receive financial assistance. Meanwhile many are forced to choose between paying their rent and putting food on the table. It is pressure from this reality that will lead to a breakdown in social distancing, rent strikes, and other forms of civil disobedience. We have bailed out Wall Street, businesses will receive a bulk of the federal aid approved last week, and mortgages have been forgiven for the next 90-days. Renters make up more than one-third of Rochester households and are disproportionately at financial risk due to lay-offs and other economic factors, yet they have been left behind during this time of crisis.

     Please add your name to this petition to ask Mayor Lovely A. Warren to demonstrate leadership fitting of her office and bring renter’s relief to Rochester. We are asking that all rent be suspended until the State of Emergency has been lifted, and our community can return to work.