2 Introduction and Background

The mark of an eviction has long lasting consequences for individuals. It prevents households from being able to achieve favorable and affordable housing in good neighborhoods¹¹ and leads to prolonged searches for housing¹² ¹³ that leave ample time for families to experience short-term and long-term homelessness.¹⁴ Studies show that at least 80% to 90% of households were evicted for falling behind on rent¹⁵ with about 1/3rd of households allocating at least 80% of their income to rent.¹⁶ ¹⁷ In Seattle, Washington, many households were evicted for owing less than $100 in rent¹⁸ with most evictions occurring in diverse, gentrifying, and the lowest rent neighborhoods.¹⁹ At the household level, evictions are a function of low, stagnant wages (i.e. unchanging minimum, or just above minimum, wages) and inadequate public assistance not being able to compete with rising rents.²⁰ The most vulnerable are women with children who have larger expenses but smaller incomes²¹ ²² and persons of color.²³