Congress Faces Pressure as Thousands Risk Losing Rental Assistance
Emergency Housing Vouchers for 60,000 Americans nearing depletion could lead to a wave of evictions unless new funding is secured from Congress.
Overview
The Emergency Housing Vouchers program, aiding 60,000 Americans fleeing homelessness or domestic violence, is running out of funds by the end of next year. This could cause significant evictions, reversing years of progress for many families. Initiated in 2021, the program was initially funded for the decade but rising rents have significantly depleted resources. With Congress being urged to provide an additional $8 billion, uncertainty looms as budget negotiations continue, and advocates fear for those reliant on this assistance.
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Analysis
- The Emergency Housing Vouchers program, which provides rental assistance to 60,000 families and individuals, is running out of funding and set to expire by the end of next year.
- The loss of this program could lead to significant evictions, affecting individuals who have made progress escaping homelessness or domestic violence, as highlighted by case studies such as Daniris Espinal's.
- Congress must decide on additional funding, but there is skepticism about bipartisan support, particularly given the current political climate focused on spending cuts.
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Associated Press·2M·FAQ
The Emergency Housing Vouchers program provides rental assistance to approximately 60,000 Americans who are fleeing homelessness or domestic violence.
Although initially funded for a decade starting in 2021, rising rent costs have significantly depleted the program's resources, causing the funds to be nearly exhausted by the end of next year.
If no new funding is secured, thousands of families relying on the Emergency Housing Vouchers risk eviction, which would reverse years of progress in preventing homelessness.
Advocates and stakeholders are urging Congress to provide an additional $8 billion to continue supporting the program and prevent evictions.
A letter from HUD indicates there is no plan to secure additional funding beyond the current allocation, and housing authorities should expect no further federal funds for the program after it runs out.
History
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