House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) released on August 31 a new episode of “Clyburn Chronicles,” the congressman’s podcast, featuring NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel discussing how the affordable housing crisis has been shaped by racial disparities and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Some people have been talking about the Build Back Better agenda as a once in a generation opportunity. I think it might be a once in a lifetime opportunity to truly end homelessness in our country,” said Diane. “To really, truly and at long last address the underlying housing crisis that has existed in our country for decades and that has most harmed the lowest-income, the most marginalized renters, and predominately renters of color.”
Representative Clyburn and Diane discussed solutions to the housing crisis, including building more affordable apartments, funding universal housing vouchers for all eligible households, and providing legal assistance to tenants. They also addressed the end of the federal eviction moratorium, how evictions have become much more dangerous because of the pandemic, and the historical and continuing legacy of racism in housing and housing assistance.
Listen to the episode here.