RICHMOND, Va. -- A group of demonstrators gathered Tuesday and called on state lawmakers to stop evictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The demonstration came Tuesday as lawmakers returned to Richmond for a special session of the Virginia General Assembly.
Organizers say Virginia is currently facing an eviction crisis.
Organizations, including New Virginia Majority and the Virginia Student Power Network - are calling on legislators to stop evictions through April of 2021.
The groups also demanding $1 billion in rent relief, something they say is especially important in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
"This is particularly in a pandemic, in the era of pandemic, where housing is a prescription, in essence. When people are asked to stay at home when possible in order to prevent the coronavirus from exacerbating," Thomas Assefa, organizing director for the New Virginia Majority, said.
Last week, the Supreme Court of Virginia granted Governor Northam's request for a moratorium on evictions through September 7.
