Protesters tell NC Gov. Roy Cooper, Chief Justice: Protect Western NC renters after Helene
Protesters from across the mountains are demanding that Gov. Roy Cooper and other North Carolina officials put in place an eviction and foreclosure moratorium.
The demands came after Helene destroyed much of the region last month, tore apart infrastructure and left many without homes.
News outlets on the ground first reported a protest Oct. 16, where about 70 people met outside the Buncombe County courthouse in Asheville.
A news release said they want Cooper, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby and local leaders to act.
“With the local economy in ruins, many face imminent eviction and foreclosure, putting them at risk of displacement when they can least afford it,” the protesters’ release said.
Asheville Food & Beverage United, the Western North Carolina Tenants Network, BeLoved Asheville and other local groups signed a letter calling for a moratorium.
Asked if the governor wants a moratorium on evictions, a spokesperson for Cooper didn’t directly answer.
“As with our Executive Order requiring increased unemployment compensation payments, we continue to explore ways to work with state and federal partners as well as legislative and local leaders to help the people of western North Carolina recover,” Jordan Monaghan said in an email. “We will constantly review the need for additional executive action as well as legislation by the General Assembly to support families in western North Carolina.”
Newby’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon.
Ryan Oehrli covers criminal justice in the Charlotte region for The Charlotte Observer. His work is produced with financial support from the nonprofit The Just Trust. The Observer maintains full editorial control of its journalism.
This story was originally published October 18, 2024 at 5:00 AM.