More positive developments from the new Administration with a continuing need for our advocacy. Thanks to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) for this update:
President Biden signed an executive order on January 21 directing FEMA to fully cover the costs to move individuals experiencing homelessness and living in congregate settings or encampments to safer living spaces in hotels and motels. This change in policy will actively save lives during the ongoing and pandemic .
A new analysis shows that nearly 20% of renters in America are behind on their payments, with the typical renter owing $5,600 in back rent. President Biden and incoming Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen must ensure that emergency rental assistance quickly reaches renters most at risk of eviction. NLIHC sent a letter to Secretary Designate Yellen outlining our significant concerns with the Treasury Department’s recently released FAQ document that would make it more difficult for the lowest-income and most marginalized households to remain stably housed during the pandemic. In our letter, we urge Treasury to rescind the FAQ and reissue one that includes NLIHC’s recommendations, which were developed with significant stakeholder input and supporting research.
President Biden and CDC Director Walensky’s quick action to extend the eviction moratorium through at least March will help keep millions of renters stably housed. Extending the existing moratorium, however, is not sufficient to protect renters due to the order’s significant shortcomings that undermine its public health impact.
Please note that NLIHC hosts weekly national calls on coronavirus, disaster, housing, and homelessness on Mondays at 2:30pm. The call is next Monday, February 1, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm ET. Register for the call here: https://tinyurl.com/ru73qan
