Will homelessness and eviction be the legacies of COVID-19? If Congress does not act soon, they will be.
Millions of Americans have lost their jobs because of the virus. When people cannot work, they cannot pay the rent. Even with some getting unemployment insurance, millions are still falling behind, putting low-income renters under the threat of losing their homes.
Some in Congress want to take a “wait and see” attitude with the economy, but when the country is in crisis, patience is a luxury only a privileged few can afford to have. I urge our members of Congress to push for quick passage of a COVID-19 bill that includes at least $100 billion for emergency rental assistance and a national moratorium on evictions.
If we act now to help our fellow Americans keep their homes, our leadership and compassion will be the true legacies of COVID-19.
William Deignan
Medford
