House Democrats introduced the HEROES Act yesterday, which is the next supplemental funding and authorizing legislation for economic relief due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic crisis. The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities thanks our members for providing their congressional delegations with on-the-ground, real-time examples of the rapidly growing need for increased rental assistance. It is clear that the House Democrats listened to CLPHA’s members’ concerns by including legislative proposals to protect the most vulnerable who are at the greatest risk for homelessness and housing insecurity.
The bill authorizes:
- $4 billion in additional funding for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
- $1 billion out of the $4 billion is designated for new temporary assistance for households who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or who are fleeing domestic violence.
- $750 million additional funding for Project-Based Rental Assistance
- $2 billion in additional funds for the Public Housing Operating Fund
- $100 billion in Emergency Rental Assistance
House Democrats also listened to CLPHA with a proposal to protect funding that was shortly due to expire under the Choice Neighborhood Initiative by extending funding through September 30, 2021.
CLPHA expects the bill to move swiftly through the House with a vote on the bill to come as early as Friday. Throughout the legislative process, CLPHA will continue to forcefully advocate to policymakers that we as a nation must emerge from this unprecedented pandemic with an unequivocal commitment to address the growing need for rental assistance.