During the most recent national “HoUSed: Universal, Stable, and Affordable Housing” call, we discussed a new report on U.S. eviction filing patterns in 2020 and the efficacy of eviction moratoriums. The call also included new guidance for state and local officials on developing and implementing equitable emergency rental assistance (ERA) programs and a new racial/gender analysis of housing insecurity. We received updates from the field and from Capitol Hill on advancing the HoUSed campaign’s policy priorities.
Peter Hepburn from Rutgers University and Eviction Lab shared findings from Eviction Lab’s latest report on eviction filing patterns in 2020. Analysts estimate 1.55 million fewer evictions were filed nationally in 2020 compared to 2019, thanks in large part to local, state, and national eviction moratoriums that helped keep renters in their homes. While overall filings dropped dramatically, researchers found that Black and Latino renters – and particularly women – were still disproportionately represented among households against which evictions were filed, and disproportionately likely to face eviction.
Mike Wallace from the National League of Cities (NLC) discussed new guidance for state and local officials on developing and implementing equitable ERA programs published by NLC and NLIHC. The guidance outlines key principles for model ERA programs and provides specific examples of programs across the country that have successfully implemented equity-centered ERA programs. NLIHC’s Rebecca Yae and Neetu Nair provided updates on implementation of state and local ERA programs. As of April 28, NLIHC had identified 267 emergency rental assistance programs funded through the $25 billion Treasury ERA program appropriated in the December 2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The 267 programs account for nearly $18 billion of the funding allocated.
Sarah Hassmer from the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) shared NWLC’s racial and gender analysis of housing insecurity reported in the US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. The analysis found Black and Latina women were more likely to live in a household that has experienced a drop in income since March 2020 and were more likely to report being behind on their rent payments. Erin Kahn from All In Washington provided updates on Washington state’s vaccine equity initiative, and Bob Palmer from Housing Action Illinois shared news about the state’s general assembly passing the “Emergency Housing Act,” which would create vital protections for Illinois residents struggling to pay their rent or mortgage as a result of the pandemic. NLIHC’s Kim Johnson provided updates from Capitol Hill.
NLIHC hosts national calls every week. On today’s call, we will be joined by Gene Sperling, White House American Rescue Plan coordinator and senior advisor to President Biden. Register for today’s call (Monday, May 10 at 2:30 pm ET) at: https://tinyurl.com/ru73qan
Watch a recording of the May 3 call at: https://tinyurl.com/pzeabs4e
Access presentation slides at: https://tinyurl.com/s28zrark