HUD urges use of grant funds to prevent evictions

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is reminding state and local governments that they may use the Emergency Solutions Grants or Community Development Block Grant money they got to provide rental assistance to people so they are not evicted from their homes.

HUD is reminding all grantees—states, cities, communities, and nonprofits—who received ESG or CDBG funds that they may use these funds to provide rental assistance or other aid to individuals experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic and are at risk of being evicted, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and guidance.

HUD said in a statement that this is consistent with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order “Fighting the Spread of COVID-19 by Providing Assistance to Renters and Homeowners,” which signifies the administration’s commitment to minimize displacement and evictions resulting from the COVID-19 global pandemic national emergency. 

“From Day 1 of this pandemic, the Administration has done everything in our power to ensure that the American people have a roof over their heads during these trying times,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership we have secured the necessary resources and mechanisms to efficiently and effectively combat this virus.” 

HUD continues to provide technical assistance to grant recipients to prevent evictions and keep people in their homes throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the Department provided virtual office hours for grantees to ensure relief funds are being used quickly and efficiently. HUD has issued a toolkit for landlords and Public Housing Authorities so they can work with their tenants during this difficult financial time. Additionally, HUD has extended its Single-Family eviction and foreclosure moratorium for FHA insured Single-Family homes three times, has promoted the Department’s Housing Counselor services, and issued guidance for lenders. 

Homelessness service providers and Public Housing Authorities across the nation have jumped into action to assist those they serve during this unprecedented time. Read more about their stories featured in HUD’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors campaign, here. For more information on HUD›s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic and the actions the Department has taken, please visit HUD.gov/coronavirus. (PR)