Read on Twitter
This morning, we are talking through the delicate state of housing stability with @NHSMass & @Rob_Corley. Presentation by @Data_Hopper. For more info, go to https://www.bostonindicators.org/reports/report-website-pages/covid_indicators-x2
First off, it is important to note the connection between housing instability and employment instability. In MA, unemployment rates shot past national avg. in Apr, and have stabilized above 15%.
North Shore, South Shore, and cities in Central and Western MA are seeing highest unemployment rates, with places such as Worcester, Lowell, and Springfield all eclipsing 20%.
Many of these communities have had more COVID cases and importantly are majority people of color. Cumulative impacts are not being felt equally across the state.
Non-white households are most at risk of missing housing payments, according to survey from @MassINCPolling. Concern over housing insecurity falling along racial lines. https://www.massincpolling.com/housing
Thus far, rent collection is stable, largely attributed to emergency responses at federal, state, and municipal levels. Policy expiration dates put that stability at risk.
Federal support: CARES Act expired 7/31. $3 trillion HEROES Act is stalling in Congress. For more info, go to https://nlihc.org/coronavirus-and-housing-homelessness
State support: Expanded RAFT program & ERMA programs. For more info, go to https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-residential-assistance-for-families-in-transition-raft
Municipal support: 83 communities across state with rental assistance programs. For more info, go to https://www.housingtoolbox.org/covid-19-resources/emergency-rental-assistance-era-program-database @CHAPAdotorg
Protective measures would temporarily keep people in homes if payments start to lag. Notably the MA eviction and foreclosure moratorium, which has been extended through October 17th.
For more info, go to https://www.mass.gov/lists/moratorium-on-evictions-and-foreclosures-forms-and-other-resources
For more info, go to https://www.mass.gov/lists/moratorium-on-evictions-and-foreclosures-forms-and-other-resources
. @MAPCMetroBoston estimates 133,000 households will struggle to make housing payments and a support gap of $144 million/month if current trends continue. For more info, go to https://www.mapc.org/covid19-layoffs/
September 1st will be the first payment date without CARES Act support. We will be closely monitoring for any shifts in payment status at state or national level.
Thank you to all panelists for fruitful discussion on local support and funds that are working to keep people in their homes.
