Advocacy Alert: Voice Your Support for a Comprehensive Housing Package in the Next Coronavirus Bill

Caybryn Southern • August 12, 2020

Let the Senate know that we need a comprehensive housing package in the next coronavirus bill!

The Coronavirus AID, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as CARES ACT, was a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed in response to the economic downfall created by the COVID-19 pandemic. As negotiations continue over the next coronavirus relief bill, we're asking for you to support those in our community who are experiencing homelessness and/or facing housing instability as a result of COVID-19.

Please read below to see how you can be part of the change and ensure those in our community stay safe, healthy, and housed!

Take Action!

Now is the time to call the Senate and let them know that we need a comprehensive housing package as part of the bill!

You can support those in our community who are experiencing homelessness or facing housing instability as a result of COVID-19 by calling the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

To contact the Majority (Republican) subcommittee staff’s office, call 202-224-5310 and leave a message for Chairman Susan Collins.
To contact the Minority (Democrat) subcommittee staff’s office, call 202-224-7281 and leave a message for Ranking Member Jack Reed.
You may call either; we encourage you to call both! Just be sure to remember which you’re calling so you use the correct Senator’s name.

If a staff member answers the phone, they should be prepared to take your comment. If no one answers, you may leave your comment as a voicemail. Please view the suggested script below to assist you with talking points for your message!

Suggested Script
"Hello. My name is [name]. I am calling with a message for [Chairman Collins OR Ranking Member Reed] about the coronavirus relief bill.

[Optional/If applicable: I am the [role] at [organization] in [location].]

I am calling to voice my support for a comprehensive housing package in the next coronavirus bill.

I urge you to include a comprehensive housing package that includes the following:
- $100 billion for investments in emergency rental assistance to keep people in their homes and prevent homelessness,
- $26 billion (or at least $10 billion) for housing choice vouchers to help households who need more than temporary assistance to remain stably housed,
- And $11.5 billion in homeless assistance to supplement the $4 billion that was appropriated through the CARES Act to respond to and prevent outbreaks among people experiencing homelessness.
[Here you might add a sentence or two about why this issue is important to you personally and/or professionally.]

You may reach me at [phone number]. I am a resident of [state] and my zip code is [home zip code].

Thank you for your time."

Please click here to view a printable version of the script and other drafted language.
Other Talking Points
- Each of these pots of money addresses specific housing challenges being faced in communities across the country.
- The needs of people experiencing homelessness cannot be left out of the conversation.
- These funds must specifically be targeted to marginalized populations that are hardest hit by the pandemic, including Black, Latinx, Native people and people living with disabilities.
- As some states are re-implementing stay-at-home orders due to increasing cases, hospitalizations, and death rates, it is important to recognize that those experiencing homelessness or housing instability do not have a home to stay in, making the need for a comprehensive housing package that much more critical.
- For people experiencing homelessness, housing is healthcare!
Learn More About This Issue
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: “Pandemic Relief Must Include Comprehensive Housing Assistance for People Experiencing the Most Severe Hardship”
- National Low Income Housing Coalition: “Responding to Coronavirus: Ensuring Housing Stability During A Crisis”
- National Alliance to End Homelessness: “Estimated Emergency and Observational/Quarantine Bed Need for the US Homeless Population Related to COVID-19 Exposure by County; Projected Hospitalizations, Intensive Care Units and Mortality”

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