Distributing Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program funds and improving the administration of Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) are critical issues facing public housing authorities focused on eviction prevention efforts after the federal moratorium on evictions ended on August 26 with a 6-3 vote by the Supreme Court. The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities is working on both issues tirelessly, and our advocacy efforts have become even more important since the overturning of the moratorium.
In early August, CLPHA convened industry allies including the MTW Collaborative, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), the National Leased Housing Association (NLHA), and the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA) to issue a joint letter to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen that contained recommendations to speed the distribution of Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds. The joint letter also made recommendations to continue certain flexibilities provided under the CARES Act that have allowed PHAs to provide ongoing relief to vulnerable families throughout the pandemic.
CLPHA has also reached out to members for their on-the-ground perspectives on their experiences administering both programs, and to encourage continued feedback and peer-to-peer sharing, CLPHA created ERAP and EHV member working groups. These discussions have informed CLPHA’s suggestions to HUD senior leadership during weekly calls with the department. CLPHA is also in direct contact with the National Alliance to End Homelessness about issues with slow Continuum of Care referrals that public housing authorities have reported while gearing up the EHV program.
CLPHA will continue to work with our members, the industry, and the Biden administration to ensure low-income families facing eviction have access to emergency rental assistance and opportunities to live in safe, decent, and affordable housing.