Source: Urban Institute Initiative

Date Published: 11.1.2023

Link: Worst Case Housing Needs Reach New High

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development submitted its 19th biennial report on Worst Case Housing Needs detailing the extent of unmet needs for affordable rental housing post-pandemic. Renters with incomes falling below 50% of the area median income were categorized within the worst-case housing needs categories who do not benefit from government housing assistance, pay more than half their income on rent, and/or live in inadequate housing conditions. The report highlights that more households had worst-case housing needs compared to previous records from 2019 and 2011 primarily due to being severely rent burdened. Extremely low-income renters, households of color, and families with children are especially impacted. In order to reduce worst-case needs there is a need to expand rental assistance, continue to promote affordable housing, and preserve existing affordable housing through financial incentives, vouchers, private sector partnerships, and legal protections.