Upcoming Event
Join NLIHC, along with the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) and the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, on Wednesday, 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!
National Updates
Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge on May 17 announced an allocation of $5 billion in American Rescue Plan funds for emergency housing vouchers for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Through the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program, HUD is providing 70,000 vouchers to local public housing authorities.
Department of Treasury
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on May 13 that it has distributed $742 million to 42 states and three territories through the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) established by the American Rescue Plan.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The IRS is urging organizations that work with underserved individuals to share information about Economic Impact Payments, the upcoming advance Child Tax Credit, and other tax details to help eligible people file a tax return so they can receive the benefits to which they are entitled to. People who do not have a permanent address or a bank account may still qualify for stimulus payments and other credits, including the advance Child Tax Credit.
Advocacy & Research
A research brief in Child Trends finds that as the federal eviction moratorium ends, households with children face a greater risk of homelessness. To prevent these families from experiencing housing instability or homelessness, state and federal policymakers should provide rental and mortgage assistance and additional resources.
Reporting
NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel spoke to ABC News about urgent efforts to get emergency rental assistance to renters before the federal eviction moratorium expires, and the need for Congress to invest in long-term solutions.
NLIHC Vice President for Research Andrew Aurand, Ingrid Gould Ellen of the NYU Furman Center, and Vincent Reina of the Housing Initiative at Penn wrote an article in Shelterforce outlining five ways to ensure that emergency rental assistance reaches communities of color with high levels of need.
The Hill reports that U.S. District Court Judge Dabney Friedrich agreed on May 14 to delay the enforcement of her ruling that struck down the federal eviction moratorium. In a 10-page ruling granting the emergency stay, Judge Friedrich said the CDC’s “strong interest in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and protecting public health” outweighed other factors, such as the potential loss of revenue to landlords. The Supreme Court may be asked to consider the CDC eviction moratorium. In a four-page letter to Judge Friedrich on May 17, the landlord group said they intend to ask both the intermediate appeals court in Washington and the Supreme Court to overturn her stay.
Reuters reports that a national landlord group brought its case challenging the CDC eviction moratorium to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Alisa Klein of the Department of Justice highlighted that U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee in Atlanta correctly denied the injunction last year.
State and Local News
California
The Sacramento Bee reports that despite temporary state eviction protections, roughly 600 people have been evicted in Sacramento County during the pandemic. Nearly half the evictions (277) occurred in high poverty communities. The figures do not include illegal eviction cases that never made it to court or those who self-evicted. When those evictions are factored in, the actual number of evictions is likely at least double, and could be as much as 10 times higher.
Florida
A three-part Orlando Sentinel special report examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed Florida’s eviction crisis. According to NLIHC research, Florida ranks among the states with the worst affordable housing shortages in the U.S. “When you pay so much of your already limited income towards your rent, you’re always one financial shock away from missing rent and being evicted, in the worst cases becoming homeless,” said NLIHC’s Diane Yentel. “Pre-COVID, that financial shock might be a natural disaster, or it might be an everyday disaster, a broken-down car, a sick child and missing a day of work. Last March, the COVID-19 pandemic and its financial fallout was the financial shock.”
Illinois
Governor Pritzker announced at a press conference on May 17 that Illinois would end its eviction moratorium in August 2021. The governor also announced that Illinois residents can now apply to receive the second round of emergency rental assistance funding. The Illinois Rental Payment Program will deploy multiple rounds of funding totaling $1.1 billion to renters and landlords, and an additional $400 million in rent assistance will be provided by larger municipalities.
Kentucky
The State Journal reports that despite the federal eviction moratorium, evictions have continued throughout the pandemic in Franklin County and across Kentucky and the nation. Frankfort shelters have made adjustments to accommodate social distancing guidelines and safety measures, and advocates have worked to spread information about the CDC moratorium and distribute rental assistance. “Our focus over the last year has been relentless on trying to save people’s lives by either allowing them to remain healthy at home or trying to get them housed,” said Adrienne Bush, executive director of the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky, an NLIHC state partner.
Maryland
Governor Larry Hogan on May 17 announced an additional $192.9 million in funding has been awarded to local governments and service providers through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development created a new emergency rental assistance webpage with state and local eviction prevention resources. Residents can also contact the Maryland Emergency Rental Assistance Call Center at 877-546-5595, Monday through Friday 8 am to 7 pm, and Saturdays 9 am to 4 pm.
Minnesota
The Mankato Free Press reports that housing advocates in Minnesota are calling on lawmakers to pass legislation to keep people stably housed as nonprofits work to distribute federal rental assistance. The statewide eviction moratorium remains in place as long as Governor Tim Walz’s state of emergency is in effect. Governor Walz extended the state of emergency into next month, but it is unclear if it will continue beyond June.
Missouri
With the federal eviction moratorium on shaky legal ground, Missouri advocates say the race to distribute federal emergency rental assistance has become much more urgent. Since the Missouri Housing Development Commission’s online application for more than $300 million in ERA went live on February 15, the commission has received more than 3,500 applications. They have approved 736 applications, totaling $3.6 million.
North Carolina
Since April 2020, the City of Charlotte has allocated $44.2 million to rent, mortgage, and utility relief and helped 11,400 households. Nearly 32,000 households, however, have applied for assistance with the majority of those denied due to documentation or eligibility issues.
Oregon
The Salem Statesman Journal compiled information on eviction protections and resources for struggling renters and homeowners.
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Patrick Dugan on May 13 extended the city’s ban on evictions and lockouts through June 30. The moratorium had been set to expire on May 17.
Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse extended the eviction moratorium for an additional 30 days. This fifth extension continues to ban the eviction, ejectment, or displacement of tenants, and prohibits water shut-offs in the city for delinquency, non-payment, or violation of any payment plan.
Texas
In partnership with the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs will hold a webinar on Tuesday, May 25 at 2 pm CT, providing information on how people with disabilities facing housing instability or eviction can apply for the Texas Rent Relief Program.
Washington
The Washington State Supreme Court has taken up a case concerning whether the CDC eviction moratorium applies in Washington state and supersedes Governor Jay Inslee’s moratorium guidelines.
Washington, DC
The DCist reports the D.C. Court of Appeals on May 13 issued a stay pending appeal of a trial court’s decision that The District’s eviction moratorium is unconstitutional, meaning the trial court’s decision will not go into effect as the appeals court reviews the case. Landlords are still barred from filing eviction cases while the moratorium remains in effect.
The D.C. Council voted down a controversial measure on May 18 that would have allowed landlords to resume sending eviction notices during the pandemic.
Guidance
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC Interim Guidance for Homeless Service Providers – Updated May 17, 2021
Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD Office of Public and Indian Housing: FAQ on Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program and Other Rental Assistance Programs – May 12, 2021