During the most recent national “HoUSed: Universal, Stable, and Affordable Housing” call, we were joined by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), who discussed the need for affordable housing investments in the American Jobs Plan. We also received the latest updates on emergency rental assistance (ERA) implementation across the country; learned about a new executive action to expand access to legal representation; discussed using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds authorized in the American Rescue Plan Act for housing; and received updates from Washington, D.C., Texas, Minnesota, and legislative efforts on Capitol Hill.
Senator Hirono shared insights on Hawaii’s affordable housing needs and provided tips for advocates to get involved in the push for robust housing resources in the American Jobs Plan. Sandra Park of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) discussed an executive memorandum issued by President Biden that would increase access to legal representation for low-income people (see Memo, 5/24) and its implications for renters facing eviction.
Neetu Nair and Emma Foley from NLIHC provided updates on ERA programs around the country and shared new resources from NLIHC to help improve ERA program tracking and administration. Kim Johnson from NLIHC gave an update on the latest news from Capitol Hill, flagging new State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act that can be used to increase the availability of affordable housing stock and rental assistance. Emily Near (Legal Aid DC), Nick Thompson (Texas Homeless Network), and Evan Romanoff (Office of the Minnesota Attorney General) provided field updates.
In recognition of the Memorial Day holiday, NLIHC will not host a national call the week of May 31. National calls will resume on June 7. Register for next week’s call (Monday, June 7 at 2:30 pm ET) at: https://tinyurl.com/ru73qan
Watch a recording of the May 24 call at: https://tinyurl.com/4dfhavx5
Access presentation slides at:https://tinyurl.com/daup4k4f