Press Releases

Protest prompts retaliation from South Delta Regional Housing Authority

April 06, 2010 -

The protest led by residents of South Delta Regional Housing Authority on March 31 prompted retaliatory action by the housing authority, according to the Mississippi Center for Justice.

“Just two days after the protest, residents received a monthly rent invoice that includes an unsubstantiated charge for a security deposit,” said Beth Orlansky, Mississippi Center for Justice advocacy director. “The deposit is on top of rents that have already more than doubled while the housing authority continues to neglect property repairs. The security deposit violates the terms of residents’ leases and is clearly intended to punish residents for executing their first amendment rights during a protest of the living conditions that South Delta imposes.”

South Delta also backed out of a settlement conference scheduled for today. In a message received from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, Greenville Division, the Mississippi Center for Justice was informed that South Delta’s legal counsel said “there is no way at this point his clients are going to settle in light of the picketing and flyers that have been sent.”

“It is a shame that South Delta is refusing to come to the table and find a solution that provides safe, livable, affordable housing for these residents,” Orlansky said. “We will continue to pursue a remedy that protects these residents and holds the South Delta board and its executive director accountable for fulfilling the mission of the housing authority.”

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