We, the undersigned, call upon the Portland City Council to issue a resolution calling on Governor Janet Mills to enact an immediate eviction moratorium during the next 60 days to protect Maine residents facing housing insecurity due to attacks on our community by ICE and the current federal administration. ICE has invaded private spaces and public spaces such as schools, streets, sidewalks, and grocery stores. They have prevented the free movement of residents across the state due to the threats of abduction, harassment, and violence. The Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that they plan to abduct 1,400 community members in the state and has not publicly indicated that they have any intention of stopping soon.

Eviction moratoriums in Maine are not unprecedented. On April 16th, 2020, Governor Mills declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and issued a moratorium on evictions for the duration of the emergency. We urge her to take similar measures to protect the health and safety of our Maine communities.

Housing is a basic human need, and eviction during times of crisis can lead to devastating consequences — including homelessness, health risks, and community instability. Many households are stuck between two awful choices: showing up to work and risking abduction or not showing up and risking their livelihood, their ability to keep food on their tables, and a roof over their heads.

We urge you to demand that Governor Mills:

1. Suspend all residential evictions for the duration of the declared emergency

2. Provide rental assistance programs to help tenants recover financially.

3. Ensure legal protections so that no one loses their home due to temporary hardship.

By taking swift action, you will help safeguard public health, economic stability, and the dignity of our community members.

We stand together in the belief that no one should lose their home during a crisis.