The article highlighted concerns about illegal convictions in Philadelphia and a HUD initiative to address  homelessness around the country. The report by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia revealed alarming trends in illegal evictions affecting renters in the city. The report included responses from 6,000 individuals, it is estimated that approximately 20,000 illegal evictions occur annually. Between February 2019 and February 2020, 6.8% of surveyed renters faced illegal eviction tactics such as lockouts, coercion to vacate, or threats, nearly matching the 7.2% rate of court-based evictions during the same period. The incidence of illegal evictions rose further after the federal eviction moratorium was implemented in March 2020, with 11% of renters reporting forced moves without court orders, increasing to 14% by December 2020. The survey also highlighted significant rent arrears among respondents, with 60% behind on rent, owing an average of $2,698. Disparities were evident, as 58% of those behind on rent were Black, compared to 20% who were White. Many renters resorted to borrowing money, averaging $1,562, to cover housing costs amid often substandard living conditions.

The Biden administration has announced a significant funding initiative aimed at addressing homelessness, specifically targeting unsheltered individuals. This initiative includes $322 million in grants for outreach, permanent housing, and supportive services, with $54.5 million earmarked for rural communities. The funds will be distributed through competitive grants to local Continuums of Care, prioritizing jurisdictions that demonstrate effective approaches to reducing homelessness among unsheltered populations. Additionally, HUD will allocate $43 million for 4,000 new housing choice vouchers, aiding individuals at risk of homelessness, including those fleeing domestic violence. The initiative responds to increased visibility of encampments during the pandemic, which has sparked contentious debates and sweeps in cities nationwide. These actions often result in displacement and criminalization rather than effective housing solutions. The new funding aims to enhance service availability and improve long-term outcomes for homeless individuals across the country.

https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/housing-in-brief-philadelphia-has-22000-illegal-evictions-a-year