Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and 18 Senate co-sponsors introduced on June 1 legislation (S.3856) to authorize $11.5 billion for HUD’s Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program for communities addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness during the coronavirus pandemic. Separately, Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) introduced H.R.7084, which would authorize $10 billion for new emergency vouchers targeted specifically to people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
An estimated $15.5 billion is needed to respond to coronavirus among people experiencing homelessness. This amount includes $11.5 billion to help local communities minimize the number of people living in homeless encampments and identify space for isolation and self-quarantine, and $4 billion for short-term financial assistance and housing stabilization services. Congress provided $4 billion in ESG funding in the CARES Act, but must provide an additional $11.5 billion to adequately respond to and prevent outbreaks among people experiencing homelessness.
While this funding is vital to address the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness, individuals who have moved into safer temporary housing may face homelessness again when ESG assistance runs out. Funding new Housing Choice Vouchers would ensure these individuals and families can remain housed in the private market until they can afford housing on their own.
Learn more about S.3856 at: https://tinyurl.com/y8bbhfgz
Learn more about H.R.7084 at: https://tinyurl.com/y9kyanan
Read NLIHC’s legislative recommendations for the next coronavirus relief package at: https://tinyurl.com/y9mmz9hv