Housing Crisis Falls to States as Federal Aid for Rent Dries Up

Emergency rental assistance centers are abruptly closing nationwide as short-term federal aid dries up, leaving states scrambling to protect vulnerable renters facing sharp housing cost spikes.

Emergency rental assistance programs, which are intended to help renters avoid eviction especially during the Covid pandemic, were vital lifelines for renters of color, low-income residents, people with disabilities, parents with children, those who may not have retirement benefits, and immigrants.

Those groups will be among the hardest hit now that at least 150 of the emergency aid centers are closing or no longer accepting applications, rent prices are rapidly increasing, and affordable ...