NHT Updates
Policy makers should ensure that families across the country maintain their homes through the crisis by reflecting these core principles.
Until now, most of the policy response to the health and financial crisis has focused appropriately on immediate relief to those who need it most, including renters. However, a national response is also needed to address renters facing long-term unemployment and heavy housing burdens. New project-based rental assistance would simultaneously stabilize renters, protect scarce properties from deterioration, and preserve rent affordability.
With over 750,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States, state and local officials are beginning to acknowledge who is most impacted by the virus. For those of us who work to promote affordable housing and energy efficiency, it came as no surprise to learn that African-Americans are the hardest hit in this pandemic.
State and local officials should prioritize the use of CDBG funds to provide rental assistance to ensure that impacted families can remain stably housed during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
NHT has endorsed a COVID-19 relief proposal urging Congress to provide $48 billion to the HOME Investments Partnership Program targeting emergency rental assistance and long-term affordable housing needs.
Our mission to support the housing needs of the most vulnerable members of our communities is needed now more than ever. We have identified ways in which recent legislation will help, and where more action is necessary to stabilize affordable housing and the people who call it home.