Housing/Homelessness / Public News Service

Arkansas' rental-assistance program has distributed funds to more than 3,200 households in the state. (Adobe Stock)

AR Makes Policy Changes to Get Rental Assistance to Residents More Quickly

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas has made some changes to its state rent relief program to make it easier to distribute assistance to residents…

Richmond is among the top 10 on Eviction Lab's list of cities with the highest rates of people being evicted from their homes. (Adobe Stock)

VA Leads Nation in Federal Rental-Assistance Distribution

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia has distributed a larger share of the rental funds it received than any other state in the country, and housing advocates …

It is important for Maryland tenants behind on rent to go to court if they receive a summons, state housing advocates say. The court cannot protect you if you do not show up. (Adobe stock)<br /> — It is important for Maryland tenants behind on rent to go to court if they receive a summons, state housing advocates say. The court cannot protect you if you do not show up. (Adobe stock)

MD Housing Leaders Urge Lawmakers to Pass Aid as Eviction Crisis Looms

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- With more than 100,000 Marylanders behind on rent, housing advocates are urging members of the General Assembly and Gov…

As the federal eviction moratorium ended this month, organizations including Arkansans for Stronger Communities have written to Gov. Asa Hutchinson, calling for the state to do a better job at getting the $173 million it received from the federal government in rental assistance to communities in need. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Lawsuit Challenges AR 'Failure to Vacate' Statute Against Renters

MALVERN, Ark. -- Arkansas is the only state in the country with what's known as a "failure to vacate" statute, which criminalizes the failure to pay …

Utah housing advocates recommend that tenants who face possible eviction or are negotiating back rent with a landlord should contact an attorney to help protect their rights. (Vitali Votelaskyi/Adobe Stock)

End of Federal Eviction Moratorium Puts Pressure on Utah Renters

SALT LAKE CITY -- Since the end of the federal eviction moratorium in August, renters in Utah who are behind on their payments may be forced to …

The Minnesota Homeownership Center says even though a new emergency assistance program is geared for Hennepin County, it has advisers available to residents all over the state if they're struggling with their mortgage because of the crisis. (Adobe Stock)

As Jobless Benefits Expire, MN Foreclosure-Prevention Efforts Expand

MINNEAPOLIS -- State officials said nearly 100,000 Minnesotans now are without extra unemployment benefits provided by the federal government during t…

The number of children whose families receive SNAP benefits in Ohio decreased from 32.2% in 2019 to 29% in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

New Child Well-Being Data Can Help OH Allocate ARP Funds

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Prior to the pandemic, Ohio counties saw fewer kids in poverty and other strides in improving child well-being, but the public-…

Experts say the expanded Child Tax Credit could reduce child poverty by half in the United States. (Kostia/Adobe Stock)

Expanded Child Tax Credit Boosts Safety Net for MI Families

ALLEGAN, Mich. -- More than 1.9 million Michigan kids are benefiting as their families see extra money from the extended federal Child Tax Credit…

Turnover for direct-care professional positions, many of which pay minimum wage with no benefits, has been as high as 60%. (Adobe Stock)

Disabled Community Urges Congress to Boost Home-Care Infrastructure

DENVER -- As infrastructure legislation makes its way through Congress, advocates for people with disabilities are urging lawmakers to boost …

Agencies charged with reviewing rental-assistance applications say it can take roughly 4 to 6 weeks, and that's one reason a moratorium on evictions is so critical. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Renters Behind on Payments Urged to Check Eligibility for Assistance

LOWELL, Mass. -- As landlords and real-estate companies challenge the Biden administration's new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) …

Community Health Centers pivoted to telehealth, including online paperwork systems for patients to check-in from home or from their car during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Innovations Celebrated During National Health Center Week

DENVER - Sunday marked the beginning of National Health Center Week, a chance to spotlight important contributions made by safety-net hospitals and …

Las Vegas' free Arrow shuttle service runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. (City of Las Vegas)

Las Vegas' New Shuttle for People Experiencing Homelessness Gains Popularity

LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas is trying to make it easier for people experiencing homelessness to get to their appointments with social service agencies by in…

Some tenants' advocates would like Virginia's new budget proposal for American Rescue Plan funding to include money for low-income renters to hire lawyers for eviction cases. (Adobe stock)<br /><br /> — Some tenants' advocates would like Virginia's new budget proposal for American Rescue Plan funding to include money for low-income renters to hire lawyers for eviction cases. (Adobe stock)

Virginia Lawmakers Urged to Direct COVID Funds to Working Families

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia's General Assembly Special Session begins today to budget more than $4 billion in federal COVID relief funds, and advocates …

In addition to roof repairs and other home improvements to lower utility bills, a Michigan League for Public Policy report recommends expanding utility-shutoff protections to include households with young children. (Adobe Stock)

Report: High Energy Burdens Affect MI Health, Quality of Life

LANSING, Mich. - High utility costs are a major burden for Michigan's low-income residents, and a new study says they have an impact on their health…

More than 3 million adults nationwide are at risk of eviction in the next two months, after a federal eviction moratorium expires tomorrow, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (HeatherPaque/Pixabay)<br /> — More than 3 million adults nationwide are at risk of eviction in the next two months, after a federal eviction moratorium expires tomorrow, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (HeatherPaque/Pixabay)

New Mexicans Dodge Imminent Evictions Faced by Many U.S. Renters

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Millions of Americans soon could find eviction notices on their front doors, but New Mexico renters will not be among them - as …

A new study estimates for every dollar invested in universal access to eviction counsel in Pennsylvania, there is an estimated cost savings of $3 to $6. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Universal Access to Legal Counsel Could Help Prevent Evictions in PA

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- As housing advocates prepare for the end of the CDC's eviction moratorium Saturday, a new report showed expanding access to legal …

Before this week, families with children got a deduction on their income tax return for the Child Tax Credit. Under a new law, money from the tax credit will instead be deposited directly into families' bank accounts. (methaphum/Adobe Stock)

Groups Push Congress to Make Child Tax Credit Permanent

PHOENIX -- Starting this week, most Arizona families with children are seeing extra money in their bank accounts, and more than 1.5 million Arizona …

The 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit is set to benefit 89% of Colorado's children younger than 18. (nareekarn/Adobe Stock)

CO Families Already Benefiting from Advance Child Tax Credit Payments

DENVER -- Parents are now receiving fully refundable monthly 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments, and advocates for children and families have …

Nearly 300,000 Maine kids will benefit from the expanded Advance Child Tax Credit. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

ME Parents, Advocates: Make Expanded Child Tax Credit Permanent

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Parents are now receiving fully refundable monthly 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments, and advocates for children and families …

Tens of millions of families have been sent the first payment of the expanded child tax credit. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Tens of millions of families have been sent the first payment of the expanded child tax credit. (Adobe Stock)

Child Tax Credit Helping WV Families Pay for Transportation, Food

WHEELING, W.Va. -- An estimated 346,000 West Virginia children, 93% of all kids in the state, live in households that likely received their first …

Most rental assistance in New Hampshire is used for rent and mortgage payments, with some going towards utilities, home heating, Internet and other expenses. (Joe/Adobe Stock)

Legal Aid: Know Your Rights as CDC's Eviction Moratorium Ends

CONCORD, N.H. -- Legal aid groups urged residents to know their rights to a fair court process as tenants, and to apply for rental assistance if …

The expanded Child Tax Credit gives families $250 to $300 every month per child and can be used for anything the family needs, such as groceries, rent or utilities. (Adobe stock)

Child Tax Credit Expansion Seen as Major Boost for Virginia Families

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. -- Beginning last week, thousands of Virginia families with children saw more money in their bank accounts as the federal …

To afford a modest, two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent in much of Colorado, full-time workers need to earn $27.50 per hour or work 89 hours per week at current Colorado minimum wage. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Denver’s Bet on Housing-First Program Pays Off

DENVER -- When people experiencing chronic homelessness in Denver received free housing along with mental and behavioral health services, they were …

Community Action Partnership of North Dakota says those eligible for emergency federal rental aid can get help with their application with a trained counselor in person or over the phone. (Adobe Stock)

Application Counselors to the Rescue - Rental Aid at Stake

FARGO, N.D. -- North Dakota is reaching out to those who have fallen behind on their rent due to the pandemic and may not know there's help. …

California's state moratorium on evictions, intended to keep millions of families from becoming homeless, has been extended through October. This will give the state time to roll out its new Rent Relief Program. (Endho/Pixabay)

Expert: New CA Budget, Tax Credit are Windfalls for Families with Children

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Huge new aid programs are beating back poverty in the Golden State, especially among families with children. Gov. Gavin Newsom …

The budget passed by the Massachusetts General Court includes $1 million for VITA, or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs. (Centaur/Adobe Stock)

Gov. Baker Urged to Commit to Anti-Poverty Efforts in State Budget

WORCESTER, Mass. -- Community Action Agencies applauded the Massachusetts General Court for its commitments to anti-poverty efforts in the 2022 state …

Around 249,000 Ohio households were behind on the rent in June, according to the census. (Aaron/AdobeStock)<br /><br /> — Around 249,000 Ohio households were behind on the rent in June, according to the census. (Aaron/AdobeStock)

Report Reveals Growing Divide Between Ohio Wages and Rent

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The gap between rent and wages continues to widen in Ohio, according to new research. The annual Out of Reach report showed the …

In late June, the Biden administration launched a plan to spur states to more quickly distribute emergency rental aid that has been slow to reach some areas. (Adobe Stock)

Rental Assistance Stunted by Connection Gap in ND

BISMARCK, N.D. -- A federal eviction moratorium ends July 31, but states like North Dakota are still flush with emergency rental assistance tied to …

The Child Tax Credit for 2021 increased from $2,000 to $3,000 for children 6-17. (geralt/Pixabay)<br /> — The Child Tax Credit for 2021 increased from $2,000 to $3,000 for children 6-17. (geralt/Pixabay)

More Money to Make Ends Meet for Ohio Families

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Many Ohio families will soon get extra cash to keep up with the cost of raising their kids. The 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion …

More than 950 evictions were filed in Indianapolis in June alone. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Indiana to Expunge Evictions Filed During Pandemic

INDIANAPOLIS - Groups advocating for affordable housing warn that once the federal moratorium on evictions ends, thousands of Hoosiers will be at …

Around 16% of Greater Cincinnatians surveyed during the pandemic said they had serious problems paying their mortgage or rent. (AdobeStock)

1 in 4 Ohioans Hit by Financial Toll of Pandemic

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 disrupted the lives of Ohioans, and data continues to evolve that is uncovering the far-…

United Way of Maryland helped more than 900 households in the state avoid evictions in January through its Strategic Targeted Eviction Prevention Program. (Adobe stock)

As Summer Evictions Loom, MD Group Boosts Prevention Program

BALTIMORE, Md. - With the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's eviction moratorium now set to end July 31, and with Maryland's to expire …

Studies show when tenants have access to legal counsel, higher numbers of eviction cases are dismissed. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

Groups Call for Legal Counsel for MI Households Facing Eviction

DETROIT -- Groups advocating for affordable housing in Michigan said systemic fixes are needed to keep people in their homes once the federal moratori…

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network's Fresh Start program is supported by funds from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. (Anete Lusina/Pexels)

OH Domestic Violence Prevention Focus on Housing Options for Survivors

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- New programs available to domestic violence-prevention groups in Ohio aim to help survivors transition into safe, stable housing…

North Carolina ranks 34th among states for children's well-being in the 2021 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, although the state improved on many individual measures in the report. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic-Relief Measures Can Help More NC Kids

RALEIGH, N.C. -- New survey data offer a clear picture of how North Carolina kids and families are faring, both before and after the pandemic…

At least 11 states have introduced legislation guaranteeing the right to counsel for tenants in eviction cases. (pixelrobot/Adobe Stock)

WA First to Guarantee Right to Counsel in Eviction Cases

SEATTLE - With the threats of evictions rising as the pandemic eases, Washington state took a major step this year to protect tenants. In the 2021 …

To qualify for Pennsylvania's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), household income must be 80% or less of the county's Area Median Income (AMI). (Adobe Stock)

Groups Working to Prevent PA Evictions: "30 More Days Isn't Enough"

PHILADELPHIA - The federal moratorium on evictions has been extended through July 31 - but the Biden administration says this is the final extension…

A new report shows Arizona's investments in its children's health, education and overall family economic stability are among the lowest in the 50 states. (cerva/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /> — A new report shows Arizona's investments in its children's health, education and overall family economic stability are among the lowest in the 50 states. (cerva/Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ Under-Invests in Children's Health, Education, Well-Being

PHOENIX -- A decade-long look at how Arizona is taking care of its children finds the state is failing to provide the social, educational and …

According to the 2021 Kids Count Data Book, the number of Connecticut children ages 3 and 4 not enrolled in preschool has dropped in the last decade, from 38% in 2009-2011 to 34% in 2017-2019. (Adobe Stock)

Report Suggests More CT Families Backslid Financially in Pandemic

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut ranks in the top 10 states for children's education and health, but its families rank lower in terms of economic well-…

New York state ranks 16th in the nation for education. The 2021 Kids Count Data Book shows from 2017-2019, 41% of New York children ages 3 and 4 weren't enrolled in preschool, compared to the 52% U.S. average. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Federal Support Vital to NY Families’ Economic Recovery

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York is among the top 10 U.S. states for health among children, and the bottom ten for families' overall economic wellbeing…

Prior to the pandemic, nearly 120,000 Indiana families with children lacked health insurance. That reflected progress in reducing the overall rate, but a new report says the pandemic has reversed it. (Adobe Stock)

Child Well-Being Report: More IN Families without Health Insurance

INDIANAPOLIS -- Like many other states, Indiana saw progress in improving children's lives before the pandemic, but an annual report said the crisis …

The newest edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book explores how America's child population fared during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Poverty Continues to Stall Progress on WV Kids' Well-Being

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- New survey data offer a clear picture of how West Virginia kids and families are faring. The Mountain State ranks 44th in the …

The number of Maryland fourth graders who were not proficient in reading increased to 65% in 2019, according to a new report. (Adobe stock)

Report: MD Lawmakers Need to Keep Spotlight on Child Well-Being

BALTIMORE -- Advocates said Maryland lawmakers need to focus more than ever on helping children, as a new report shows the state dropped from 21st in …

Since 2000, Hennepin and Ramsey counties have seen an increase of nearly 30,000 Black households, but the number of homes owned by Black families declined. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Corporate-Owned Rentals Cut Into Black Homeownership

MINNEAPOLIS -- Long known for its homeownership disparities, the Twin Cities region has seen a widening of the gap between Black residents and their …

One in ten Missouri teens didn't graduate high school on time in 2019, down from 19% in 2010 - though last fall, more than 40% of Missourians planning to pursue higher education either cancelled or reduced course loads. (Tom Wang/Adobe Stock)

Report: MO Children, Families to Benefit from Child Tax Credit Expansion

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri is ranked 30th among states for overall child wellbeing in a new report, and advocates for kids and families say the …

A new report says during the pandemic, Iowa's Black, Latino and multiracial households with children were three times as likely as white households to worry about making their next rent or mortgage payment. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Ranking, Pandemic Clouds IA's Child Well-being Outlook

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa gets some high marks in the latest 50-state report on children's wellbeing, but the annual findings show the pandemic is …

The outlook for children's well-being in Utah is good, but a new report says 173,000 kids live in households where parents don't have stable employment. (diego serva/Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah Among Top 5 States for Children's Well-Being

SALT LAKE CITY -- Families with children in Utah and other states remained mostly steady over the past year in an annual report on children's wellbein…

About 16% of Latino families with children in Virginia were uninsured in March 2021, compared with 8% of all households in the state, according to the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Virginia Must Improve Child Health Coverage for Latino Families

RICHMOND, Va. -- Children in Virginia are better off than in most states, but a new report said the Commonwealth needs to improve health outcomes…

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