NLIHC Updates
Join NLIHC, the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL), and the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies on May 26 at 1 pm ET for a webinar on “Emergency Relocations and Non-Congregate Sheltering: Using Federal Disaster Recovery Resources to Save Lives.” Learn more about the webinar and register here!
Updated Resource: Eligibility for Assistance Based on Immigration Status
National Updates
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
The CFPB released two reports demonstrating that more work needs to be done to help mortgage borrowers coping with the pandemic and economic downturn. One of the research briefs documents that Black and Latino mortgage borrowers are much more likely to be delinquent or in a forbearance program than white borrowers.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS), Division of Energy Assistance (DEA), is releasing $4.5 billion in supplemental funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2021. Congress appropriated these funds under the American Rescue Plan Act.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on May 5 announced a joint-agency effort to increase access to COVID-19 prevention and treatment services, including testing and vaccinations, among disproportionately affected communities, including among HUD-assisted households and people experiencing homelessness.
HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) hosts weekly Office Hours sessions on COVID-19 planning and response on Fridays from 2:30-4 pm ET. This week’s Office Hours on Friday, May 7 at 2:30 pm will feature a presenter from Clackamas County, OR discussing permanent housing placement out of non-congregate shelter.
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are holding a virtual public listening session on May 13 from 1-4 pm ET on Protecting Borrowers During the COVID Pandemic. Register for the listening session here.
Advocacy & Research
Check out the Get It Back Campaign’s 2021 stimulus checks and tax credit outreach resources, including a marketing toolkit for immigrant outreach and outreach tips to connect people experiencing homelessness to stimulus payments.
The National League of Cities released a blog post highlighting the six do’s and don’ts for local emergency rental assistance programs that are outlined in our joint guidance for state and local officials.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness released a fourth report as part of its series on homeless system responses during COVID-19. The results suggest that Continuums of Care (CoCs) were able to acquire space for non-congregate temporary shelter due to the CARES Act, that more planning is needed to vaccinate people experiencing homelessness, and that more crisis housing is needed. Check out the full series of reports and resources here.
Reporting
The Washington Post reports on U.S. District Court Judge Dabney Friedrich’s 20-page ruling that says the CDC overstepped its legal authority by issuing a nationwide eviction moratorium, a ruling that could potentially put millions of Americans at risk of losing their homes. Housing advocates continue calling on the Biden administration to not only defend and enforce the policy but step up legal protections to keep people in their homes. The article cites statements from NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel.
Forbes outlines key facts and background information related to the federal judge’s ruling on the CDC eviction moratorium. The Department of Justice has appealed the ruling. The article quotes a statement from NLIHC’s Diane Yentel on the potential impact of the ruling.
Business Insider discusses the federal judge’s ruling on the CDC eviction moratorium, highlighting that rulings against the moratorium could jeopardize Americans in the process of applying for or receiving emergency rental assistance. The article cites research from NLIHC, Moody’s Analytics, the Eviction Lab, and others on the current housing crisis.
Read additional reporting on the court ruling from CNN, The Hill, Axios, CNBC, Reuters, and the Wall Street Journal.
Politico reports that the Biden administration is racing to address roadblocks within the emergency rental assistance (ERA) program as the expiration of the federal eviction moratorium, set to end on June 30, draws nearer. “The longer the federal eviction moratorium is in place, the better local communities can take the time needed to ensure that these historic resources get to the renters and small landlords who need it most,” said NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel.
NerdWallet discusses how people can access emergency rental assistance (ERA) and recommends renters start exploring options to address their rental debt before the eviction moratorium expires. NLIHC’s Diane Yentel speaks about the federal ERA funds, including how each state and local program has its own application process, landlord requirements, and direct-to-tenant assistance policy. The article links to NLIHC’s ERA database.
The New York Times reports that the Biden administration is ramping up pressure on the country’s largest residential landlords following reports that major multistate landlords have been evicting tenants despite the federal eviction moratorium.
Reuters reports that a rental property manager in Tennessee has sued to block the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) rule requiring notice be given to tenants about the federal eviction moratorium.
State and Local News
California
San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance on May 4 that would further limit evictions and enact a short-term rent cap. The ordinance would be in effect until 60 days after Governor Gavin Newsom lifts all stay- and work-at-home orders. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports the ordinance limits landlords’ ability to evict tenants for lease violations, going beyond the statewide eviction moratorium by permitting evictions only if renters are imminent threats to health and safety. Tenants’ rights groups say this provision is necessary to close loopholes that landlords have used to evict tenants, despite the state and federal eviction moratorium.
Sacramento elected officials, renters, and tenant advocates are calling on officials to extend the eviction moratorium, either through legislative action or executive order, and strengthen the moratorium to close loopholes that have allowed landlords to continue evicting tenants.
Illinois
The Illinois Senate passed a proposal on April 29 to help Illinoisans struggling with housing payments or homelessness throughout the pandemic. The bill now goes to Governor Pritzker for his consideration. Learn more about the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act.
Massachusetts
WBUR reports that as evictions in Massachusetts return to pre-pandemic levels despite the federal eviction moratorium, housing advocates say more help is needed. The state eviction moratorium ended in October, and many renters are falling through the cracks of the CDC moratorium, which is set to expire on June 30. The article highlights roadblocks in distributing roughly $968 million in rental assistance and mentions that some landlords are refusing to participate in the Massachusetts Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program.
New York
New York State lawmakers on May 3 passed legislation to extend the statewide eviction moratorium through August 31, just as the state is expected to start distributing $2.4 billion in rental assistance. The new order went into effect on May 3. Tenants cannot be evicted if they can show a financial or health hardship because of the pandemic.
North Carolina
WCNC reports that a new study, “In Pursuit of Justice: An Assessment of the Civil Legal Needs of North Carolina,” finds there is a severe shortfall of legal aid for North Carolinians facing eviction. The pandemic has significantly increased the need for civil aid, and housing advocates are advocating for right to counsel laws in Charlotte and across North Carolina.
South Carolina
South Carolina residents can apply for emergency rental and utility assistance through the SC Stay Plus program. Individuals can apply online or by calling (803) 336-3420.
Washington, DC
An article in DCist examines how the pandemic has added more stress for pregnant and new moms who need support with housing, health care, and other critical services. D.C. mothers facing housing insecurity are concerned about what will happen to them and their children when the eviction moratorium is lifted.
Guidance
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Practitioner’s Guide to Helping People Facing Homelessness Access Stimulus Payments
Department of Housing and Urban Development
CDBG-CV Program: Financial Management Quick Guide – April 2021
CDBG-CV PPR Tieback Flexibilities Quick Guide – April 30, 2021
Notice PIH 2021-15: Emergency Housing Vouchers – Operating Requirements – May 5, 2021