The Urban Institute simulated a model to predict the cost of a universal housing assistance program to support those who face homelessness.
Many low-income renters will struggle to pay rent next month as a result of economic stagnation. While many cities and states have implemented an eviction pause, Mary Cunningham says it's not enough, calling for a universal housing assistance program to fortify the housing safety net.
"With fewer people able to save for emergencies and many already struggling to make their monthly payments, renters are more vulnerable to housing insecurity than homeowners. Low-income renters—many of whom work in service industries hit hard by the pandemic shutdown—are at high risk for eviction and homelessness during shelter-in-place measures enacted to contain the pandemic," writes Cunningham.
What would be the cost of scaling the Housing Choice Voucher Program to meet the needs of the approximately 8.2 million households not currently receiving program assistance? On average the household subsidy would amount to $7,530 per year or $628 per month. Urban Institute predicted a final figure of around $100 billion, only a fraction of the $2 trillion federal stimulus package that fails to substantively address the issue.
Cunningham calls for swift action on a universal housing assistance program to avoid housing loss after the lifting of the eviction moratorium.
FULL STORY: It’s Time to Reinforce the Housing Safety Net by Adopting Universal Vouchers for Low-Income Renters
The Crisis Within the Crisis: Homelessness and Housing Pushed to the Brink by COVID-19
Cities, states, and the federal government are trying to prevent a repeat of 2008 while still facing the challenges of inequality and poverty that grew out of the previous recession.
FEMA Offers Full Reimbursement for Pandemic Shelter Costs—But Cities Are Still Jittery
Cities and counties have been slow to take advantage of the promise of full and retroactive FEMA reimbursement to expand emergency housing programs, frustrating housing advocates. What’s getting in the way?
Federal Stimulus Offers a Chance for Local Reinvention
Cities around the country are making big plans for economic relief funding from the federal government.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions