Housing is Public Health!

We applaud Congress for passing the Families First CoronaVirus Response Act, which will provide immediate paid sick leave and paid family leave to millions of people, expanded unemployment insurance, vital nutrition aid, more Medicaid funds for states, and free COVID-19 testing. But they left out critical resources for people experiencing homelessness!

Our unhoused neighbors are more likely to have poor health, use spaces with congregate settings (public transportation, shelters, soup kitchens), be older than 50, have limited ability to follow public health advice, or suffer from stigma and discrimination in accessing basic services. 

It is imperative that services, medical care, resources, and support for people experiencing homelessness is included in any further Federal Coronavirus responses.

We are asking for lawmakers to provide $5 billion to serve people who are homeless, and $5 billion more to prevent people who are at immediate risk from becoming homeless during this crisis. We’re also calling for $50 billion to support housing stability, through a program like the one proposed in the bipartisan Bennet-Portman Eviction Crisis Act (S. 3030). Finally, there must be a national call for a moratorium on evictions from housing or informal encampments.

These funds are absolutely imperative to the safety, wellbeing, and care of people experiencing homelessness, and we cannot wait. Contact your Legislator today.

National Coalition for the Homeless, 2201 P St. NW, Washington, DC 20037

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