During the most recent national call on coronavirus, disasters, housing, and homelessness, we shared the latest updates on emergency rental assistance (ERA) programs, discussed the impact of utility disconnection and eviction moratoriums on COVID-19 infection and mortality rates, received an updated estimate of rental arrears, discussed state and local strategies to protect tenants during the COVID-19 emergency, and received field updates from Louisiana, Texas, and California.
NLIHC staff provided updates on the CDC’s extension of the eviction moratorium and highlighted the need for improvements to the moratorium and additional rental assistance. NLIHC is urging the Biden administration to rescind the Department of Treasury’s ERA Frequently Asked Questions document and make changes so that funding is accessible to those most in need.
Kay Jowers from Duke University discussed a recent study on the impacts of utility disconnection and eviction moratoriums on COVID-19 infections and mortality. The study suggests eviction moratoriums contributed to a cumulative reduction in COVID-19 infections by 3.8% and deaths by 11%, and utility disconnection moratoriums have contributed to a cumulative decrease in COVID-19 infections by 4.4% and deaths by 7.4%.
We received updates from Mark Zandi of Moody’s Analytics on estimates of the amount of back rent owed. Estimates suggest that by June, there will be at least 6,694,071 delinquent renters, owing an average of $6,148 each, if there is no additional fiscal support provided by Congress.
Noëlle Porter from the National Housing Law Project shared state and local strategies to protect tenants during the COVID-19 emergency, and provided updates on the Safe at Home Act and the Model for Local Tenant Protection Ordinances. We received field updates from HousingLOUISIANA, Councilmember Greg Casar of Austin, Texas, and Public Advocates and HousingNow! California.
NLIHC hosts national calls on Coronavirus, Disasters, Housing, and Homelessness every week. On today’s call, we will be joined by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-5). Register for today’s call (Monday, February 8 at 2:30 pm ET) at: https://tinyurl.com/ru73qan
Watch a recording of the February 1 call at: tinyurl.com/1mewqb6z
Access presentation slides at: tinyurl.com/bq19h7nz