MHP released a statewide study yesterday examining eviction rates and distribution of rental assistance.
Findings include:
“More than two months after the end of the federal moratorium on evictions, data indicate that many Massachusetts renters remain behind on rent and fear being evicted from their homes.”
“…hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts renters report being behind on their last month’s rent, with an even greater number of renters anticipating being unable to pay next month’s rent. We found that these trends varied greatly along racial and ethnic lines—with Black renters experiencing housing instability at the highest rates across all groups. We also found that eviction filing rates vary from region to region—with Central and Southeast Massachusetts seeing the highest rates of eviction filings per renter households.”
And a BIG SHOUT-OUT to Way Finders:
“In Hampden County, the local non-profit Way Finders has made exceptional progress distributing state rental assistance funds at the highest rate in Massachusetts and has helped provide their community with legal resources in housing court.”
Finally, recommendations include:
“The Legislature needs to ensure that emergency resources remain sufficient and strengthen state laws to ensure that tenants are never at risk of eviction for COVID-related rent arrears if they are eligible for emergency rental assistance.”
The COVID-19 Housing Equity Bill (H.1434/S.891) offers the protection that is urgently needed. Join the Network, Springfield No One Leaves and Homes for All MA in supporting this bill.
Go HERE to contact your legislator to urge immediate action on this bill!
