Over the last several weeks, we’ve seen, and perhaps even experienced firsthand, the toll that the coronavirus outbreak has had on our communities and the world at large. In addition to further unveiling generations of systemic injustices, this pandemic is also resulting in the widespread loss of wages and jobs as well as hospitalizing tens of thousands of people across the country.
As the impacts of the outbreak continue to worsen, it’s becoming more and more necessary for us to adapt our campaigning to not only address these systemic injustices, but also urgent needs. We know that access to essential utility services like electricity and running water is critical to keeping people safe amidst a public health crisis. So in addition to holding corporations accountable for the abuses they are committing during this time, we’re organizing to help make sure that people have access to these services they need to survive.
That’s why we’ve joined allied organizations and hundreds of thousands of people in demanding a national moratorium on electricity and water shutoffs. But we can’t do it without your support.
Electricity and water shutoffs disproportionately affect low-income households, especially those in communities of color and immigrant communities across the country. At a critical time when people everywhere are being told to vigilantly wash their hands and stay hydrated, it’s impossible to ignore that some people do not have the ability to take these simple measures to protect themselves — in part because of inhumane policies that penalize people who are struggling or simply unable to pay their bills.
The good news is that our organizing alongside our allies to address this issue is working. Right now, over 600 cities and municipalities in the U.S. have implemented moratoria on water shutoffs — something that was unimaginable merely two months ago. Thanks to the action you’ve taken, these demands are becoming a reality for millions across the country.
People should not live in fear of having their utilities disconnected for nonpayment, especially in a time of crisis. Electricity and water are required to fulfill some of our most basic needs and we’ll continue to make sure that governments prioritize policies that place a moratorium on service disconnections. Give now to make sure we have the resources we need to help make sure that households across the U.S. have access to uninterrupted electricity and water during this pandemic.
