Work Sample: Press Release for Community Protest
PRESS RELEASE (8/24/2020)
Rally Against Chase Bank
HURTING OREGON’S FAMILIES
CHASE is jeopardizing families: Repo’ing cars during a pandemic hurts Oregonians and puts future recovery at risk!
Join us and take a stand against big banks putting profits over people.
Monday, August 24, 2020
Meet: (Redacted)
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Portland, Ore.: CHASE says “We’re Here to Help,” but a 6-year-old child says “Mommy, why is that man taking our car?” CHASE bank isn’t helping- they’re hurting Oregonians by taking cars from families at a time when they need safe, reliable transportation the most. Even customers previously in good standing are hard hit by the realities of COVID 19. In callously repossessing vehicles, CHASE is undermining the ability of families and communities to get back on their feet, which only leads to a harder, longer recovery for all of us.
Just last week, CHASE customer S- U- was interrupted at random by a tow truck driver announcing he had come for her car. U-, a single, unemployed mom, was aware she was about 60 days behind, but received no warning that a repo could be imminent. Despite claims on their website about willingness to work with customers in these hard times, CHASE refused all attempts by U- to bring the account current, stating that the only way to get the car back was to give them the full payoff amount, which is over $10K. In the midst of a pandemic, it’s little better than extortion. U- had no choice but to surrender the car, leaving her distraught, out the $10K she had already paid on the vehicle, and without any means of transportation for her and her 6-year-old child.
Instead of being beaten, U- is organizing a rally to raise awareness and to try to convince CHASE to negotiate with her and others going through repossessions. The goal is trifold:
> Bring attention to other families and individuals at risk of repossession during the financial crisis in the pandemic
> Coordinate efforts to write to our legislators.
> Send a message to CHASE about the devastating impact of repossessionson actual people
By taking away safe transportation during a public health crisis, taking advantage of people in need with predatory lending practices, and failing to work with customers during this unprecedented global crisis, CHASE continues to show that they DON’T CARE about the communities they operate in. Oregon does not have blanket protections for repossessions in place, and CHASE knows it. Other banks have been able to help, so why can’t CHASE? It’s because they’re putting profit ahead of people.
JOIN US in telling them IT’S NOT RIGHT.
Relevant Links:
Racial Disparity in Lending Background, 6/20/2020 WBEZ: https://www.wbez.org/stories/chase-bank-vows-to-do-better-on-lending-in-black-neighborhoods/d85ea733-439a-49ad-a448-1b5b5ca3cc8c
The National Consumer Law Center Statement on the importance of cars for families and consumer protection: https://www.nclc.org/images/pdf/special_projects/covid-19/IB_Auto_State_Responses_to_COVID19.pdf
“During the coronavirus emergency, cars will play a vital role in containing the spread of the virus and facilitating an economic recovery for families and states. A family car can allow for social distancing, drive-through testing, and shopping for essential items without taking public transportation. After the initial health crisis, a car will once again be vital in many communities for access to employment, day care, schooling, medical care, and other essential services.” -The National Consumer Law Center
CHASE auction schedule for August