Join NLIHC’s sign-on letter urging Congress to enact the bipartisan “Eviction Crisis Act” (S.2182) introduced by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Rob Portman (R-OH) and its House companion bill, the “Stable Families Act,” soon to be introduced by Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY). The “Eviction Crisis Act” and “Stable Families Act” would create a permanent emergency rental assistance program – the “Emergency Assistance Fund” – to provide financial assistance and stability services to low-income households facing sudden economic shocks that impact their housing stability.
According to NLIHC’s annual report The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes, 71% of the nation’s 11 million extremely low-income renter households spend half of their income or more on rent and utilities alone, leaving virtually no margin for unexpected expenses. In consequence, a broken-down car, unreimbursed medical bill, or temporary drop in income – as was experienced by many at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic – can quickly send vulnerable households down a spiral of housing instability, eviction, and, the in worst cases, homelessness. In fact, even before the pandemic, renters faced eviction for owing an average of just $600 in rental arrears, with some households owing as little as $127 in back rent. Because of ongoing systemic racism and discrimination in housing and employment, Black renters, and particularly Black women, are more likely to face eviction.
The Emergency Assistance Fund would help stabilize households experiencing sudden economic shocks before they could result in eviction, instability, or homelessness, which often require more prolonged, extensive, and expensive housing assistance. The Fund would be a grant program administered by HUD and funded at $3 billion per year. Eligible grantees would include state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, which would be able to partner with local non-profit organizations to distribute funds. Additionally, funds would be deeply targeted to serve households with the lowest incomes, who are most at-risk of eviction following unexpected financial shocks.
Learn more about the “Eviction Crisis Act” and “Stable Families Act” at: https://bit.ly/3NqqYgl
Show your organization’s support for the “Eviction Crisis Act” and “Stable Families Act” by joining our sign-on letter at: https://sforce.co/3PyKCsz