The National Housing Law Project (NHLP) published two newsletters (here and here) on addressing the housing rights and needs of survivors of violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first newsletter, published in September 2021, features a Q&A for advocates about how survivors can access emergency rental assistance (ERA), including a list of eligible uses for ERA and a link to NLIHC’s database of ERA programs. The newsletter also outlines provisions of the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program established in the “American Rescue Plan Act.” EHVs are targeted specifically to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and survivors fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.
The second newsletter, published in December 2021, provides details on the implementation and availability of EHVs, including using EHVs to facilitate an emergency transfer under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The issue discusses updated VAWA guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has jurisdiction over federal rural rental assistance and housing development programs. The guidance reminds owners and operators of USDA-assisted housing of their obligations under VAWA and provides suggestions for ensuring VAWA protections are available to tenants.
Read NHLP’s first newsletter at: https://tinyurl.com/28k4x6us
Read NHLP’s second newsletter at: https://tinyurl.com/36uwhke7