The Short-Term Benefits of Emergency Rental Assistance
June 14, 2022 by The report highlights the short-term benefits of the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, which was established to support renters facing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ERA program has been crucial in preventing evictions and ensuring housing stability for low-income renters, particularly those who lost employment during the pandemic. Beyond housing stability, the report finds that ERA recipients experience improved financial well-being and better mental health compared to those who applied but did not receive assistance. The study uses data from the US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey to demonstrate these benefits, emphasizing the need for continued support as funding runs out. Overall, the ERA program has provided significant relief to vulnerable renter households, highlighting the importance of ongoing rental assistance for affordable housing.