NHLP Praises HEROES Act Introduction, Calls for Strong Congressional Oversight

Statement by Shamus Roller, Executive Director of the National Housing Law Project

Today, Speaker Pelosi introduced a $3 trillion coronavirus relief package. The HEROES Act contains substantial resources to provide housing stability to renters and homeowners across the country. The bill provides $175 billion in rental and homeownership assistance to those suffering from loss of work or income. It includes approximately 100,000 emergency rental vouchers targeted to those most vulnerable during the crisis. And the Act expands and strengthens payment relief options for homeowners, and creates a twelve-month eviction moratorium that covers all residential properties.

“NHLP cannot emphasize enough the need for immediate rental and homeowner relief, and we appreciate that the House bill works to address the enormity of the problem,” said Shamus Roller, executive director of the National Housing Law Project. “People are needlessly losing their homes. We are confronting a long-term problem that is going to get much worse before it gets better. In the coming weeks, it will be imperative for the Senate to advance the key provisions of emergency vouchers, renter and homeowner relief, and a broad eviction moratorium.

“In the coming weeks and months, Congress will need to exercise judicious oversight of HUD and USDA, as both agencies will be responsible for extensive and detailed implementation. We urge states, municipalities, and grantees to administer the CARES Act and any relief provided in the final HEROES Act in a way that protects the most vulnerable tenants and owners.”