Federal Shutdown Threatens Rental Assistance Program

The ongoing shutdown of the federal government could begin to have terrible consequences for some of the nation's most vulnerable populations.

1 minute read

January 13, 2019, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

Mark Van Scyoc / Shutterstock

Suzy Khimm and Laura Strickler report:

Federal contracts for more than 1,000 government-funded properties that house low-income renters have already expired as a result of the government shutdown, which could delay critical repairs and place poor families at risk of eviction, advocates and landlords say.

"About 1,150 contracts with private landlords have expired since the shutdown began on Dec. 22," which "represents about 5 percent of all contracts for a federal Section 8 program known as Project-Based Rental Assistance, which subsidizes rent and utilities for 1.2 million low-income families, including many who are elderly or disabled."

More than 1,000 additional contracts could expire by February if the shutdown persists.

The article includes more details on the potential measures that can be taken to prevent evictions, as well additional consequences of the shutdown for federal housing assistance programs.

FULL STORY: Because of the shutdown, more than 1,000 affordable housing contracts have expired

Tuesday, January 8, 2019 in NBC

Government / Politics Housing United States Subsidize Housing Housing Assistance Government Shutdown Trump Administration Project-Based Rental Assistance Section 8 View More

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