Last month, nearly one-third of Americans could not pay rent. As cities, counties and states throughout the nation shelter in place to stem the spread of COVID-19, unemployment has skyrocketed, leaving many without income to pay for housing.
Beyond humanitarian concerns, the rental market faces possible collapse. Meanwhile, homelessness aids the virus’s spread. And the economy cannot recover until the disease is under control.
I ask our Utah congressional delegation to make housing a priority by providing at least $100 billion in emergency rental assistance, and by passing a temporary national moratorium on evictions.
Thankfully, Congress has passed some urgent emergency housing legislation. But more is needed.
Georgia Platts, South Jordan
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