Poll: Public Concerned about Housing Instability during COVID-19, Favors Action from Congress

The Opportunity Starts at Home multisector affordable homes campaign released the results of a national housing instability public opinion poll that it recently commissioned through Hart Research Associates. The poll, released on May 29, reveals that Americans are deeply concerned about housing instability as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and favor major action from Congress to prevent evictions and homelessness. 

The vast majority of the public believes, on a bipartisan basis, the government should:

  • Provide emergency rental assistance for people who are struggling to afford the rent and are at serious risk of eviction as a result of the coronavirus (93% favor)
  • Expand funding for homeless assistance programs that minimize the number of people living in large shelters by providing them with alternative individual spaces for isolation and self-quarantine (90% favor)
  • Enact a uniform, nationwide policy that stops all evictions during the coronavirus outbreak (89% favor)

OSAh poll

Over half (54%) of all people polled express concern that they will lose their housing if they do not get additional assistance to help cover the costs – a concern that is more acute among lower-income households and people of color (61% of households making below $40,000 say this is a concern; and 72% of African Americans and 76% of Latinos say this is a concern, compared to 43% of whites). Additionally, 66% of people say the amount they pay for housing is a concern, with 44% saying it is a big concern. Of all those concerned about housing costs, 65% say their concern about the amount they pay for housing has increased since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Click here to see the press release. 

Click here to read the full survey results.

Please help us keep the momentum going to ensure that these housing resources are included in any final negotiated package. Send this letter to your senators and representative and share this letter with your networks. To send the letter, simply type in your street address, click submit, and it automatically goes directly to your senators and representative. 

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