‘the need for action on behalf of America’s renters is urgent’
WASHINGTON – In an Aug. 21 letter, a broad group of 31 housing groups urged congressional leaders and the administration to return to negotiations on a stimulus package to protect renters, property owners and the stability of the nation’s rental housing stock. “We implore you to immediately return to the negotiating table and reach agreement on rental assistance and broader relief legislation that keeps people in their homes,” the letter stated.
“The need for action on behalf of America’s renters is urgent. According to the latest information from the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 21% of renter households were behind on their rent payment,” the letter said. “Renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic already owe an estimated $25 billion in back rent and could owe up to $70 billion by the end of the year. Without federal rental assistance, these debts will be unsustainable and financially ruinous for renter households across the nation.”
The letter was signed by the California Housing Consortium, CCIM Institute, Consumer Federation of America, Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, Enterprise Community Partners, Habitat for Humanity International, Housing Assistance Council, Institute of Real Estate Management, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Low Income Investment Fund, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Affordable Housing Management Association, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Apartment Association, National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Housing Cooperatives, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, National Association of REALTORS®, National Community Stabilization Trust, National Council of State Housing Agencies, National Housing Conference, National Housing Resource Center, National Leased Housing Association, National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Multifamily Housing Council, National NeighborWorks Association, New York Housing Conference, Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future, ULI Terwilliger Center for Housing, and Up for Growth Action.
“There should be no higher priority than avoiding millions of evictions throughout the country. Without emergency rental assistance funding, we will face a catastrophic crisis,” said David M. Dworkin, president and CEO of the National Housing Conference.
The National Housing Conference has been defending our American Home since 1931. #OurAmericanHome @natlhousingconf @davidmdworkin
About NHC: The National Housing Conference has been defending the American Home since 1931. Everyone in America should have equal opportunity to live in a quality, affordable home in a thriving community. NHC convenes and collaborates with our diverse membership and the broader housing and community development sectors to advance our policy, research and communications initiatives to effect positive change at the federal, state and local levels. Politically diverse and nonpartisan, NHC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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