The eviction moratorium Gov. Doug Ducey put in place to protect renters impacted by the pandemic is less than two weeks away from expiring. With the virus still surging in Arizona, dozens of groups are calling for the governor to extend that deadline.

The groups include the city of Phoenix, homeless organizations, a labor union, a food bank and other nonprofits. In a letter to the governor they ask that the state keep evictions on hold through December.

Cynthia Zwick is executive director of the nonprofit Wildfire which works to fight poverty in Arizona. She said city, county and state programs are available for rental and utility assistance, but much of that funding has not yet been distributed.

“It’s impossible to expect that money is going to be paid in the next couple of weeks," Zwick said. "All we’re asking is for some more time to get that money to the landlords.” 

The Census Bureau reports a quarter of Arizonans either missed their last rent or mortgage payment or are not confident they’ll make their next payment.

“Our overall concern is that if folks are not given a bit more time to pay their rent, they could end up homeless, and they could end up sick," Zwick said.

More than 30 Arizona democrat lawmakers have already called for the moratorium to be extended. The governor has not indicated he’s considering it. Arizona courts are preparing for a surge of eviction filings when the moratorium expires July 23. 

→ Read The Latest News On The Coronavirus Disease