NLIHC’s last national call on “Coronavirus, Housing, and Homelessness” took place on June 2. The call featured an opening conversation with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), as well as updates from national, state, and local advocates and service providers working to assist people experiencing homelessness, low-income households, and members of marginalized communities, all of whom are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Register for today’s call (June 8 at 2:30 pm ET) at: https://tinyurl.com/ru73qan
On the June 2 call, Speaker Pelosi issued a call to action and expressed her commitment to addressing housing instability in the next coronavirus response package. She encouraged advocates to increase visibility around the housing provisions in the “HEROES Act” and make their voices heard around the urgent need for rental assistance. The Speaker also shared that an infrastructure package would be unveiled soon and noted public housing and affordable housing would be central to the legislation.
Zach Neumann and Sam Gilman, co-founders of the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project, shared their research on national eviction risk estimates, demonstrating the urgent need for rent relief and extended moratoriums. Illinois State Representative Delia Ramirez described how her state is using $396 million in funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund for emergency rental and mortgage assistance. Mike Koprowski, director of NLIHC’s Opportunity Starts at Home campaign, shared the results of a recent poll conducted to gauge public perception of the need for emergency rental assistance in the next coronavirus relief package. Results indicate that people are highly concerned about the housing instability that may result from the coronavirus pandemic and expect Congress to take action to prevent people from falling into homelessness.
Dev Wakeley of Alabama Arise, Martie North of the Arkansas Coalition of Housing and Neighborhood Growth for Empowerment, and Phyllis Chamberlain of the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania provided updates from the field. NLIHC’s Vice President of Public Policy Sarah Saadian and Director for Field Organizing Joey Lindstrom provided Hill updates and outlined needed advocacy actions.
NLIHC hosts national calls on the Coronavirus, Housing, and Homelessness every week. On today’s call, we will be joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Register for today’s call (Monday, June 8 at 2:30 pm ET) at: https://tinyurl.com/ru73qan
Watch a recording of the June 2 call at: tinyurl.com/ydfsdm7u
View June 2 presentation slides at: tinyurl.com/yatlszac
Stay up to date on COVID news and housing resources at: https://bit.ly/3dwCSEm