Housing News - Affordable Housing Online

Low-income renters helped by $2.2 trillion coronavirus economic stimulus

By Chris Holden on March 27th, 2020

Tagged As: Affordable Housing News, Coronavirus

The Senate passed a historic $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package on a vote of 96-0. It will benefit low-income renters in several ways. It will provide direct financial assistance to people, expand and increase unemployment insurance, halt evictions in federally-backed rental housing and foreclosures on federally-insured mortgages. It will also provide billions of dollars in … Continue reading Low-income renters helped by $2.2 trillion coronavirus economic stimulus

Housing News - Affordable Housing Online

Cities, states and feds suspending evictions during coronavirus crisis

By Chris Holden on March 25th, 2020

Tagged As: Affordable Housing News, Coronavirus

Local and state governments around the country are suspending eviction and foreclosure actions, giving a break to low-income renters hurt during the coronavirus crisis. President Trump has also directed HUD to suspend evictions and foreclosures for a short time. But not all renters are protected. Affordable housing advocates say this is not enough, and that … Continue reading Cities, states and feds suspending evictions during coronavirus crisis

Housing News - Affordable Housing Online

How housing authorities are communicating with low income households amid coronavirus

By Robin Lovelace on March 23rd, 2020

Tagged As: Coronavirus, Editorials

In normal times, it could be hard for an applicant, participant or an interested party to call and speak with a live person at a Public Housing Agency (PHA). Whether it’s by way of being transferred to the appropriate staffer, or carefully navigating an automated phone system, reaching a live person immediately was not always … Continue reading How housing authorities are communicating with low income households amid coronavirus

Housing News - Affordable Housing Online

Housing Wait List Recap: March 23, 2020

By Nathan Brunet on March 23rd, 2020

Tagged As: Waiting List Openings

This week’s recap highlights Section 8, Public Housing, and other affordable housing waiting lists that are open and have been recently announced for the week of March 23, 2020. COVID-19 Notice Due to concerns of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, some waiting list openings may be postponed until further notice, or submission instructions may be adjusted. … Continue reading Housing Wait List Recap: March 23, 2020

Housing News - Affordable Housing Online

Lawmakers grill Carson on controversial HUD policies

By Chris Holden on March 20th, 2020

Tagged As: Affordable Housing News, Editorials

Lawmakers challenged HUD Secretary Ben Carson at a hearing this month about a number of controversial Trump administration policies. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development grilled the secretary about HUD’s proposed budget cuts for FY 2021, as well as moves to weaken rules for ending segregation and to cut back fair … Continue reading Lawmakers grill Carson on controversial HUD policies

Housing News - Affordable Housing Online

FTC warns about government check scams

By Nathan Brunet on March 19th, 2020

Tagged As: Affordable Housing News, Coronavirus

No details have been released yet about the proposed government checks to help Americans who are struggling during Coronavirus closures, but scammers are already trying to take advantage of those in need. In a blog published yesterday by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), it’s said that it isn’t known at this time exactly how payment … Continue reading FTC warns about government check scams

Housing News - Affordable Housing Online

Housing Wait List Recap: March 16, 2020 – Coronavirus Update

By Nathan Brunet on March 16th, 2020

Tagged As: Waiting List Openings

Each week, Affordable Housing Online highlights Section 8, Public Housing, and other affordable housing waiting lists that are open and have been recently announced for the current week. However, due to concerns of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, some waiting list openings may be postponed until further notice. Postponements have already occurred, such as the Wallingford … Continue reading Housing Wait List Recap: March 16, 2020 – Coronavirus Update

Housing News - Affordable Housing Online

Comparing Sanders and Biden on low income housing

By AHO Staff on March 13th, 2020

Tagged As: Affordable Housing Roundtable

The 2020 Democratic Party forerunners have similar policies, but important differences.

Housing News - Affordable Housing Online

HUD Secretary Ben Carson appointed to president’s coronavirus task force

By Chris Holden on March 11th, 2020

Tagged As: Affordable Housing News, Coronavirus

HUD Secretary Ben Carson was recently appointed to the White House Coronavirus Task Force. The Task Force is charged with leading the federal response to the coronavirus outbreak. Since his appointment, Secretary Carson has had some awkward moments trying to explain the Task Force’s plans to keep the public safe. President Trump charged The Task … Continue reading HUD Secretary Ben Carson appointed to president’s coronavirus task force

Housing News - Affordable Housing Online

Local barriers in the way of new affordable housing

By Chris Holden on March 9th, 2020

Tagged As: Editorials

Affordable housing faces many barriers at the local level. Some are written into zoning and building codes that discourage new rental housing. Public forums can provide a platform for Not-In-My-Back-Yard opponents. And even in cities that have adopted rules supporting new rental housing, permit backlogs have delayed projects. Low-income renters have the most to lose … Continue reading Local barriers in the way of new affordable housing