Presented By
Keynote Speakers
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated housing access and affordability issues faced by households across the nation. Even as economic conditions have slightly improved, more than 1.5 million homeowners—mostly low-income or of color—are more than 90 days behind on mortgage payments. As of early July, there were still nearly 6.5 million renter households behind on rent*, putting them at risk of eviction. Families and households of color are even more vulnerable and likely to struggle with making housing payments.
The impacts of the pandemic are likely to last well into the future, necessitating substantial policy changes and financial assistance to address household needs. While mortgage forbearance, rental assistance, and housing support programs have provided households with much-needed relief, additional and extended programs are critical to ensure that we do not leave the most vulnerable households behind. In addition, it is essential that we build back an inclusive economy that ensures that households have access to stable employment and small business support, equitable access to healthcare, ample educational and workforce development opportunities, and adequate transportation and transit access.
This virtual forum will bring together panelists from across Texas and the United States to discuss strategies that localities can adopt to ensure an equitable housing and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and set the stage for long-term affordability and stability.
* National Low Income Housing Coalition