02 Sep PRESS RELEASE: Activists and Organizers in Las Vegas, NV Participate in Nationwide Uprisings Against Evictions, For COVID Relief

Las Vegas, NV – On Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 10:30 am, activists united for a press conference and caravan from Make the Road Nevada’s office around our community during a nationwide day of uprisings to protest the Senate’s failures to provide relief during the biggest eviction crisis the U.S. has ever faced. 

“Unless there is immediate government action there will be unprecedented mass evictions. Our members will be displaced, courts will be overwhelmed & the pandemic will worsen because our communities are unable to shelter in place. It is time for our representation to ACT, Mark Amodei, What are you doing to ensure Nevadan’s aren’t evicted once the Moratorium is lifted? What are you doing to ensure the safety of those risking their life for the sake of the economy? What are you doing for those who gave you their vote in hopes you would stand with them?” -Anthony Giron, MRNV Member Leader

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the national economy, with 631,858 Nevadans filing for unemployment over the past five months. Although Governor Sisolak has extended the eviction moratorium for 45 days, this only postpones the inevitable. As many as 40 million people could be kicked out of their homes in the coming months. Real relief is long overdue.

Make the Road Nevada members joined thousands across the nation to demand this relief. They call on the Senate to cancel – not postpone – rent, to reinstate the $600 unemployment insurance many in now-closed industries were depending on to survive, including all workers in any relief or stimulus, provide free testing, help small businesses with grants – not loans, and make sure our students can learn safely. The anger and frustration are reaching a breaking point as people continue without relief and the Senate has stalled. The Las Vegas protest was organized by Make the Road Nevada as part of a national uprising organized by The Center for Popular Democracy, CPD Action, and Unemployed Action, a movement of 15,000 workers who lost their jobs due to COVID-19. You can find pictures and videos here.  

“Stop evictions. Help our residents without a home. We owe it to the 183,000 Americans that have fallen to COVID-19, to start making steps in the right direction. As it is our responsibility to voice our concerns, it is theirs to uphold. Rent is not due, relief is. Thank you.” –Abraham Lugo, YPP Member Leader