HOUSING AND BROTHERS REDEVELOPMENT - Key Persons
A King County press release announced that COVID-19 cases among people experiencing homelessness are rising. Seattle and King County reported 112 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among people experiencing homelessness or working in homeless service sites.
Job Titles:
- Director of Events
- NLIHC 's Director of Events
Adelle Chenier is NLIHC's director of events. An expert in event operations, production, planning, project management, and VIP services, she has been centrally involved in events direction for more than 18 years, overseeing activations for professional and collegiate sports teams, serving as lead operator for a national conference, and planning events for 25,000-person audiences. Adelle plays a key role in advancing NLIHC's mission by increasing our visibility and expanding engagement through our events.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director of the Homeless and Housing
Adrienne Bush, executive director of the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky, urged lawmakers to enact a nationwide, uniform eviction moratorium, appropriate $11.5 billion through the Emergency Solutions Grants program, and allocate $100 billion to emergency rental assistance.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director / Alabama Housing Finance Authority
Job Titles:
- Deputy Associate Director
Alayna Calabro is a senior policy analyst on NLIHC's policy team. In this role, she identifies, analyzes, and advocates for federal policies and regulatory activities that advance the Coalition's mission.
Job Titles:
- Housing Director / Department of Local Affairs / Division of Housing
Job Titles:
- Director of Housing Development
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President for Research at NLIHC
Andrew Aurand is Senior Vice President for Research at NLIHC. He leads NLIHC's research team in documenting the housing needs of low-income renters in annual publications like The Gap and Out of Reach, conducts additional research that informs housing policy related to extremely low-income renters, and co-manages the National Housing Preservation Database.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on July 26 a new "streamlined" application process for New York's rent relief program, which will relax documentation requirements for tenants and landlords. Governor Cuomo's announcement comes as New York has faced bipartisan criticism for the lack of rental assistance it has distributed.
Since Governor Andrew Cuomo's initial eviction moratorium expired on June 20, 719 eviction petitions have been filed. This is just a fraction of the petitions the court would typically receive in a five-week period in previous years.
Governor Andrew Cuomo on July 14 announced an emergency rental assistance program that will be funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). New York's COVID Rent Relief Program will be administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said that the subway shutdown to clean the trains offers an opportunity to engage with people experiencing homelessness who have been using the subway as shelter.
Governor Andrew Cuomo referred to the increasing number of people experiencing homelessness staying on New York City subways as "disgusting" and "disrespectful" to essential workers who rely on the subway to get to work.
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke's office presented a plan to the City Council on October 20 that would use more than $1 million in Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds to convert a local hotel property into an emergency hotel shelter.
Governor Andy Beshear signed Executive Order 2020-700 and Executive Order 2020-751, effective August 25, that dedicated federal Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) in the amount of $15 million for a Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund. Applications opened on September 8 and are taken on a first completed, first paid basis.
Job Titles:
- Housing Development Manager
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director / Minnesota Housing Partnership
- Minnesota Housing Partnership
Job Titles:
- Senior Policy Coordinator
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced on April 22 that he was refusing most of the $146 million in federal emergency rental assistance (ERA2) allocated to the state. Governor Hutchinson requested that the state be allowed to use 39% of the funds - about $60 million - for housing stability programs. Arkansas has about $20 million in available ERA1 funds. Arkansas and Nebraska are the only states to reject the latest round of ERA.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director / Illinois Housing Development Authority
is bracing for a surge of eviction filings in New Orleans starting August 25, when the 30-day notice ends since the CARES Act expired. "I've had one resident agent who already put us on notice that he's bringing 250 evictions, so I'm going to extend hours," said Badon.
Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) called on Governor Charlie Baker to take immediate action and extend the eviction moratorium. "With a stroke of a pen, Governor Baker could prevent the looming eviction tsunami in the Commonwealth this Saturday - or he could fail to act and stand by as thousands of families impacted by the public health crisis and economic fallout lose their homes," said Representative Pressley.
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the Executive Director
Job Titles:
- Deputy Executive Director / Chief Legal Officer / New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority
Job Titles:
- Development Specialist
- Development Specialist With NLIHC
Benja Reilly is a development specialist with NLIHC, helping ensure the Coalition secures the necessary resources to support its mission. Before joining NLIHC, Benja served as Lead Caseworker and Burial Assistance Coordinator for Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington, where he assisted clients with long-term support and self-help. He has also conducted research and planned events with Gallaudet University and the Central American Resource Center as a legal intern. He received his undergraduate degree in religion from Carleton College with a minor in Spanish.
Job Titles:
- Planning & Research Specialist
Job Titles:
- Policy & Research Team Lead
Job Titles:
- Mayor
- New York City Mayor
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on August 17 declared that he is considering moving people temporarily residing in hotels during the pandemic back into homeless shelters. An article in Curbed argues that hotels are still the city's best chance to prevent the looming homelessness crisis. The #HomelessCantStayHome Coalition sent a letter to city officials on August 12, urging them to stop moving New Yorkers experiencing homelessness back to congregate shelters, end harmful sweeps, and enact additional policies to protect the health and safety of people experiencing homelessness.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio launched the Landlord-Tenant Mediation Project on July 21 to help workers impacted by the pandemic avoid eviction. The city will partner with community dispute resolution centers to offer free case intake and mediation sessions between landlords and tenants.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is thwarting efforts to move everyone experiencing homelessness into hotel rooms amid the pandemic. Advocates are concerned that the city's delay could increase hospitalizations or death among people residing in congregate shelters.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is opposing legislation introduced by the city council that would offer all people experiencing homelessness - 12,000 people in total - the option to stay in the 100,000 vacant private hotel rooms across the city. While de Blasio's administration argues that the city does not have the funds to afford this, FEMA could likely cover the cost of the program.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to move as many as 1,000 New Yorkers experiencing homelessness every week from shelters into hotels across the city during the pandemic. As of April 28, 775 New Yorkers experiencing homelessness tested positive for COVID-19.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of the Coalition
Bill Faith, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, an NLIHC state partner, spoke about the pandemic's impact on low-income renters on The State of Ohio.
Job Titles:
- Housing Program Manager, Community Programs
Job Titles:
- Interim Director / Louisiana Housing Corporation
Job Titles:
- Director of Policy and Communications
Job Titles:
- Director
- Executive Director
- Executive Director of the Alaska Coalition
Brian Wilson, executive director of the Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, expressed concerns about a wave of evictions, since the state will not have the resources to prevent families and individuals from falling into homelessness. Read more about Alaska's distribution of emergency rental assistance and how the courts are handling eviction hearings.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Britt Board
- Programs Data Systems Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Supportive Housing Manager
Job Titles:
- Manager of Field Organizing
As Manager of Field Organizing, Brooke Schipporeit oversees NLIHC's field outreach, organizing, and advocate-mobilization efforts. Brooke previously spent several years in Pennsylvania, where she supported state and local coalitions in their efforts to achieve solutions to housing poverty. As an MSW intern with the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, she informed and mobilized coalition members to advance equitable housing policy. She also served as Philadelphia's regional housing coordinator for the Self-Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania, where she focused on expanding affordable and accessible housing options for people with disabilities and older adults. Prior to beginning her career in affordable housing, Brooke worked in direct services in Nebraska for the Head Start program and a domestic violence shelter. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania and holds a BS in Social Work from Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Job Titles:
- CEO / Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Job Titles:
- Housing Programs Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Chief Communications and Public Policy Officer
Job Titles:
- National Campaign Director, OSAH
Chantelle Wilkinson came to NLIHC from New York, where she worked as a budget analyst for the state legislature and helped enact housing and transportation policies. In 2016, she worked on the Breathing Lights Campaign with the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society. The campaign highlighted the problem of dilapidated vacant housing in the capital region of New York State and spurred collaboration between artists, community organizations, neighborhood ambassadors, project administrators, and government officials. Chantelle received a BA in political science, with minors in Latin American/ Caribbean studies and Spanish, and an MA in public administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker extended the statewide eviction moratorium until October 17. Housing court administrators estimated that they could be flooded with 20,000 eviction cases when the moratorium was initially set to expire in August.
Job Titles:
- Director of Rental Development
Governor Chris Sununu authorized the allocation and expenditure of $35 million from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide rental assistance. Of the allocated $35 million, $20 million will be initially spent, with $15 million held in reserve, for rent stabilization and housing support. Governor Sununu also announced an additional $15 million in CARES Act funding for homeless shelters.
Job Titles:
- Director, Housing and Community Development Division / Department of Workforce Service
Job Titles:
- Program Manager, Housing Grants
Job Titles:
- Commissioner / Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director, Housing Division
Job Titles:
- Housing Advocacy Organizer
- NLIHC Housing Advocacy Organizer
Courtney Cooperman is a housing advocacy organizer on the NLIHC field team. As an organizer, Courtney mobilizes NLIHC's network to advocate on federal policy priorities and keeps up with the latest developments in state and local affordable housing policy. Courtney also supports the Our Homes, Our Votes nonpartisan voter and candidate engagement campaign.
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Analyst
- Senior Research Analyst at NLIHC
Dan Emmanuel is a senior research analyst at NLIHC. Before joining the organization in 2013, he worked in a range of housing and community development contexts, with a particular focus on program evaluation and community needs assessment. Dan earned his BA in philosophy and psychology from the College of William & Mary and his MSW with a concentration in community and organization practice from Saint Louis University.
Governor Dan McKee announced on October 5 that $50 million in federal rental assistance has been approved in Rhode Island, with nearly 4,600 rental households receiving aid.
Job Titles:
- Advocacy and Education Manager
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Senior Executive
Danita will help to ensure that the President and CEO as well as the Coalition has the proper support needed to reach its goals and achieve its mission. Danita comes to NLIHC with an extensive background in executive support and office management. Prior to joining NLIHC, she served as an office manager and contract specialist for a hauling company, where she secured contracts and leads as well as implemented hazard material and go-green programs.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director / North Dakota
David Bartholomew, co-director of the homeless prevention program for Pisgah Legal Services in Brevard, says North Carolina courts are not prepared for the avalanche of eviction cases that have been postponed for months. Up to 36% of renter households in North Carolina were at high risk of eviction at the beginning of the year.
Job Titles:
- Multifamily Administrator
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition
Diane Yentel is the President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a membership organization dedicated to achieving racially and socially equitable public policy that ensures people with the lowest incomes have quality homes that are accessible and affordable in communities of their choice. With over twenty-five years of experience working on affordable housing, Diane is a leading national expert on housing insecurity and homelessness.
Job Titles:
- Governor
- Arizona Governor
Governor Doug Ducey announced $500 million of federal funds to combat homelessness in Arizona. The funds come from the December 2020 COVID-19 relief package and the American Rescue Plan.
on July 16 signed an executive order extending a statewide eviction moratorium until October 31, 2020. Governor Ducey also announced $5 million to launch the Foreclosure Prevention Program and an additional $650,000 in new funding for community action agencies to improve the administration of rental assistance programs.
Governor Doug Ducey on July 14 announced a plan to distribute nearly $6 million in Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG-CV) to combat homelessness, with $4.35 million allocated to shelters, programs, and services serving people experiencing homelessness and $1.6 million for homelessness prevention.
Governor Doug Ducey announced $300,000 in grant funding to provide rental assistance, telehealth, and transportation to health services. The funds come from the state's Crisis Contingency and Safety Net Fund. In March, Governor Ducey announced the Rental Eviction Prevention Assistance Program.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey also announced a new $5 million rental assistance program to assist low income renters during the pandemic.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the State Department of Health
Ed Gramlich has been at NLIHC since 2005. During his first two years, Ed staffed the RegWatch Project, an endeavor to expand the Coalition's capacity to monitor federal regulatory and administrative actions, with a focus on preserving the affordable housing stock, both public and assisted. From 2007 to 2010, he was the Director of Outreach. Prior to joining the staff of the Coalition, he worked for 26 years at the Center for Community Change (CCC), where his primary function was to provide technical assistance about CDBG to low-income community-based groups. While at CCC, Ed also devoted considerable time to providing technical assistance to groups concerned about the negative impacts of UDAGs in their communities.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Housing Colorado
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director of Housing Action NH
Job Titles:
- Deputy Executive Director
Job Titles:
- Multifamily Development Director / South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Job Titles:
- Director of Public Policy / Citizens' Housing and Planning Association
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced on September 1 an additional $1.1 million to existing housing assistance programs for residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Undocumented residents are eligible to receive funding. The funds will be allocated to three community organizations focused on rapid rehousing, rental assistance, and mortgage assistance.
Job Titles:
- Housing Advocacy Organizer
- NLIHC Housing Advocacy Organizer
Gabby Ross is a housing advocacy organizer. Prior to joining NLIHC, Gabby was a housing stability specialist for a property management company in Washington DC, where she helped DC residents apply for emergency rental assistance. Previously, Gabby worked as a housing specialist at N Street Village for the Patricia Handy Place for Women shelter in Washington DC. During her time there, she worked alongside case managers and community partners to find safe and affordable housing for women at the shelter to help them exit homelessness successfully. Gabby graduated from Howard University in 2019 with a BA in political science and a minor in community development.
Representative Garret Graves (R-LA) announced that Baton Rouge will receive $1.65 million in Emergency Solutions Grants - Coronavirus (ESG-CV) funding to support people experiencing homelessness. Louisiana received nearly $21 million in ESG-CV funding.
Governor Gina Raimondo announced that Rhode Island will allocate $500,000 to provide financial incentives for landlords to rent to people experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness. Landlords will receive a $2,000 signing bonus for the first unit that they rent to people experiencing homelessness and $500 for each additional unit.
Governor Gina Raimondo announced on May 28 that the state will make available an additional $5 million in funding for the Housing Help RI emergency rental assistance fund.
Governor Gina Raimondo announced that her administration is seeking permission to use $5.1 million in federal Medicaid funds to pay for food, rent, and mobile phone numbers for people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic.
Attorney Graham Bowman from the Ohio Poverty Law Center says while Governor DeWine's newly signed rental assistance program will be helpful in the short-term, it will not solve the systemic housing issues. "Predating COVID, there was a major eviction housing crisis in Ohio. I don't think that's going to be enough money," Bowman said. "It's absolutely critical that we get more assistance at the federal level to address the sheer scale of this problem."
Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler announced that additional federal funds for the Bremerton COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program have been made available. An additional $268,383 from the CARES Act was allocated to the city, and the council approved spending the funds on a rental assistance program.
Job Titles:
- Director of Advocacy and Communications
Job Titles:
- Creative Services Manager
- Creative Services Manager at NLIHC
As Creative Services Manager at NLIHC, Ikra Rafi is responsible for NLIHC's print and online graphic design efforts. She first joined NLIHC as a graphic design intern in 2015. Her interest in social justice stems from her freelancing work and internships she held at various nonprofits, including NLIHC. Ikra holds a BFA in arts and visual technology from George Mason University.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director / CEO / New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority
Job Titles:
- Governor
- Colorado Governor
Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order on July 30 that requires landlords to provide tenants with 30 days' notice before evicting them due to nonpayment of rent. During that period, tenants can halt the eviction by showing proof they have applied for rental assistance. The order went into effect on August 1.
Governor Jared Polis on October 21 signed an executive order reinstating the statewide eviction moratorium less than one week after he banned late fees for Colorado renters through the end of the year. The executive orders follow the release of a report by the Special Eviction Prevention Task Force.
Governor Jared Polis announced on August 26 a new temporary task force within the Department of Local Affairs to examine housing instability due to COVID-19 in Colorado. The announcement of the Special Evictions Prevention Task Force met criticism from housing advocates who have urged Governor Polis to reinstate an eviction moratorium and ban on rental late fees. Additionally, an attorney with the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project noted that the task force's 10-person roster didn't represent renters, including advocates who specialize in eviction defense.
Governor Jared Polis allowed Colorado's temporary eviction ban to expire. Since July 1, the Denver Sheriff Department has received 139 eviction orders from the court, and about 65 of those have been carried out so far.
Governor Jared Polis allowed the statewide eviction ban to lapse in June, and Denver Public Safety Director Murphy Robinson signed an order on July 1 that allows law enforcement in Denver to carry out evictions. Hours before Colorado's eviction moratorium expired, Governor Polis issued an executive order on June 13 that delayed legal proceedings against tenants for another month. Under the June 13 executive order, landlords were permitted to resume posting notices demanding payment, but those notices must provide tenants 30 days to pay their back rent - meaning that many landlords could begin filing eviction claims on July 14.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has only issued guidance to limit evictions, rather than enacting a statewide eviction moratorium. With courts and local governments left to make decisions on evictions, thousands of Colorado renters are facing uncertainty and fear about the possibility of being evicted.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Multifamily Initiatives
Governor Jay Inslee announced the statewide eviction moratorium will be extended one more time to provide a short-term bridge extension for state emergency rental assistance programs to get up and running.
Job Titles:
- Coalition 's Vice President of External Affairs
- Vice President, External Affairs
Jen Butler is the Coalition's Vice President of External Affairs. Jen works with the NLIHC chief executive officer to lead all of the organization's departments and activities that are externally facing, including: communications, media relations, brand, public relations, fund development, and events.
Job Titles:
- Acting Director, Development Division
Job Titles:
- Planning and Housing Development Director
Representative Jennifer Longdon, a Democrat who represents portions of Phoenix and Scottsdale, spoke to KJZZ about why the Arizona legislature should hold a special session to address evictions and rental assistance.
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan on September 21 extended the city's eviction moratorium through January 15, 2022. When Seattle's eviction moratorium expires in January 2022, a new ordinance enacted in May 2020 will take effect, providing renters a six-month period in which they can be protected from eviction if they can demonstrate financial hardship due to the pandemic.
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan on March 15 extended the city's eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021. Extending the eviction moratorium provides housing stability for residents as new federal rent relief funds are distributed. In addition to the current proposal for $23 million for rental assistance, the City of Seattle has committed $18 million to rental assistance in addition to state and King County resources for landlords and tenants.
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan on August 14 signed an executive order extending the city's eviction moratorium until December 31, 2020.
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced on May 11 the allocation of nearly $4 million in federal CARES Act Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV), Emergency Solutions Grants, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS funding to provide rental assistance.
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced on June 18 she is extending the eviction moratorium through September 30, 2021. Executive Order 2021-06 will provide additional tenant protections, including the start of a six-month period in which a renter may claim a defense against eviction for nonpayment if they can demonstrate financial hardship due to COVID-19. Mayor Durkan also prohibited utility shut offs through December 31, 2021. An estimated 86,500 people across the Seattle metro area (about 10% of renters) are behind on their rent.
Job Titles:
- Director of Affordable Housing
Job Titles:
- Director of Federal Affairs / Minnesota
Job Titles:
- Associate at the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy
Jessica Klein, a policy associate at the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, discusses the urgent need for robust federal coronavirus relief in the State Journal. Kentucky's $15 million eviction prevention funds ran out quickly. The lack of rental assistance, combined with the expiration of the federal eviction moratorium, leaves Kentuckians at risk of becoming homeless.
Job Titles:
- Divison Director / Housing Finance & Development
Job Titles:
- Governor
- Although Governor
Although Governor John Bel Edwards extended Louisiana's eviction moratorium until September 24, housing advocates are concerned that many New Orleans residents face precarious housing situations, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Ida's destruction. An estimated 174,000 Louisiana households are at risk of eviction when the extended moratorium ends.
Governor John Bel Edwards praised the Biden administration's extension of the federal eviction moratorium through July and is encouraging struggling renters, homeowners, and landlords to apply for state housing assistance. About 50,000 renters and landlords have already applied for assistance through Louisiana's Emergency Rental Assistance Program and similar programs administered by parishes across the state. More than $10.7 million has been awarded to renters and landlords through the state-administered emergency rental assistance program.
Boston launched a $3 million emergency rental assistance two months ago, and more than 8,000 people have applied for assistance. Boston Mayor Martin Walsh will allocate an additional $5 million to the city's Rental Relief Fund, with the additional funds coming from 50% of Boston's Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds. The other 50% of the city's CDBG-CV funds was allocated to small businesses.
John Yazwinski, president and CEO of a nonprofit that operates homeless shelters in Quincy and Brockton, discussed his organization's strategy to depopulate its shelters and expressed the need for a statewide shelter plan during COVID-19.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Corporate Planning and Accountability
Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig announced new measures on April 30 to protect people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic, including a city-sanctioned temporary camp. City officials have provided portable toilets and sinks, as well as started delivering meals to an encampment. In a letter to the community, the mayor emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to expand services for people experiencing homelessness in Manchester and across New Hampshire.
Judge Debra James issued a temporary restraining order, preventing New York City from forcing more than 200 men experiencing homelessness from the Lucerne Hotel. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the move after Upper West Side NIMBYs threatened to sue the city over its decision to temporarily house people experiencing homelessness at a local hotel during the pandemic.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Director of Affordable Housing
Job Titles:
- Governor
- New York Governor
New York Governor Kathy Hochul on April 9 detailed the uses of $2 billion in reserve pandemic recovery funding in the fiscal year (FY) 2023 State Budget. The budget includes $800 million in state funds for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, $250 million for utility assistance, and $125 million for the Landlord Rental Assistance Program.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on January 11 that New York will allow its eviction and foreclosure moratorium to expire on January 15, but the state will once again let people apply for eviction protection and rent relief. Dozens of faith leaders called on Governor Hochul to extend New York's eviction moratorium through June.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on September 14 significant progress in providing emergency rental assistance. The press release states that, according to NLIHC's database, New York is now ranked first nationally in payments made or obligated, and is among the leaders in direct payments.
Governor Kathy Hochul on September 2 signed new legislation extending the moratorium on COVID-related evictions until January 15, 2022. The law expands the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and creates the nation's strongest eviction protections. Learn more about New York's eviction moratorium here.
Governor Kay Ivey authorized the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) to implement the state's new $263 million COVID-19 emergency rental assistance program. AHFA expects to accept applications from landlords and tenants beginning March 1.
After Governor Kay Ivey allowed the statewide eviction moratorium to expire on June 1, up to 48% of Alabama renters are in danger of losing their homes due to the pandemic's economic fallout.
Kayla Laywell serves on the policy team as a housing policy analyst. Before joining NLIHC, she worked in the office of Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), where she covered housing and homelessness. Prior to working for Senator Luján, Kayla was a field representative in the office of former Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM), where she advocated for the needs of rural communities and Tribal governments at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kayla's legislative career started in the Texas Capitol as a health policy fellow in Representative Garnet Coleman's office.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced on August 20 that the city has allocated $22 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) to the Atlanta COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program is expected to help more than 6,700 Atlanta residents with rental, utility, and/or security deposit assistance. Applications for the rental assistance program are now available at: https://relief.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Deputy Director of Housing & Community Development
Job Titles:
- Finance
- Vice President of Operations
Khara was with NLIHC from 1999 through 2005 as Executive Assistant to the President and returned in 2009 as Development Associate. In the interim, Khara served as Development Coordinator at YWCA USA. In September 2009, she became Director of Administration at NLIHC and since then has assisted the administration team in its effort to sustain the Coalition's primary mission to end America's affordable housing crisis.
As a manager of public policy, Kim is responsible for identifying and analyzing federal policy and regulatory activities related to NLIHC's priorities, advocating around those policies and activities on Capitol Hill, and working with NLIHC's field team to engage NLIHC's members and network in field advocacy. Kim focuses especially on the housing protections in the "Violence Against Women Act," criminal justice reform, and evictions.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem announced that her administration is returning $81.5 million in federal emergency rental assistance funds and is requesting that $17.9 million of that money be redirected to the Oglala Sioux, Lower Brule Sioux, and Crow Creek Sioux.
CNN reporter Kyung Lah shares the stories of tenants in Columbus, Ohio who are facing eviction despite the national eviction moratorium. Melissa Benson of the Legal Aid Society of Columbus states that most renters do not know about the moratorium or the steps they need to be protected.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- NLIHC 's Director of Operations
Lakesha Dawson is NLIHC's director of operations. Working closely with the vice president of finance and operations, Lakesha draws on her deep expertise and broad range of experience to implement and enhance the financial, human resources, and administrative processes that enable the Coalition to effectively fulfill its mission. 
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced an expansion of the city's rental assistance program. New Orleans received a direct initial allocation of $11.6 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the city is expecting an additional $14 million from the state of Louisiana for rental assistance. The program will go live on February 15 and will begin taking applications through its NOLA Ready website in person or over the phone.
Governor Laura Kelly signed an executive order on August 17 reinstating an eviction and foreclosure moratorium until September 15. Governor Kelly stated that she would renew the moratorium in two weeks if the federal government does not intervene.
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator / Home
As the web/graphic design specialist on NLIHC's communications team, Lauren is responsible for managing NLIHC's websites and electronic communications, designing print and digital publications, and developing and maintaining the NLIHC brand in all external materials. She also assists with the development and execution of communications and marketing strategies.
Job Titles:
- Senior Neighborhood Planner
Job Titles:
- Housing Compliance Officer
Job Titles:
- NLIHC Housing Advocacy Organizer
- Senior Housing Advocacy Organizer
Lindsay Duvall is a senior housing advocacy organizer at NLIHC. In this position, Lindsay helps the field team engage advocates on federal policy priorities to advance the Coalition's mission and expand NLIHC membership. She has an extensive background in emergency and affordable housing programs, having worked for eight years with NLIHC member Hudson River Housing in Poughkeepsie, New York. As manager of advocacy and community engagement, she crafted outreach strategies, developed partnerships, managed resident leadership initiatives, supported communications projects, and expanded the agency's advocacy work.
Job Titles:
- Policy & Research Analyst
Job Titles:
- Deputy Director, Housing Production and Programs / Kentucky Housing Corporation
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Federal Grants
Job Titles:
- Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Job Titles:
- Federal Housing Programs Manager
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on July 27 announced an expanded Housing Assistance Grant program and a new online portal to help people adversely impacted by the pandemic's economic fallout. The new round of aid includes more than $33 million in rental assistance and eviction counseling. Of the total amount, $20 million will be from the state's allocation of the Coronavirus Relief Fund.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot proposed a plan that would prohibit landlords from evicting tenants who have been impacted by COVID-19 without first trying to negotiate with them. The City Council's Housing Committee will likely approve the plan on June 15, followed by a full Council vote on June 17.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the Chicago Housing Authority will defer rent for thousands of tenants living in Chicago Public Housing as long as the state's stay at home order remains in effect. It is also launching a rental assistance program.
Job Titles:
- Division of Housing and Community Resources
Job Titles:
- Executive Director / South Dakota Housing Development Authority
Job Titles:
- Director of Housing Development
Job Titles:
- Research Analyst
- Research Analyst at NLIHC
Mackenzie Pish is a research analyst at NLIHC, where she documents the housing needs of low-income community members across the U.S.
Prior to joining the Coalition, she worked with Innovation for Justice (i4J) - a social justice-focused legal innovation lab jointly housed at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business.
Job Titles:
- President / Arkansas Development Finance Authority
Governor Mark Parson announced that Missouri will receive $24 million in federal funding to support homeowners and renters that have been impacted by the pandemic. In a tweet, the Governor reported that the state will receive an additional $9.4 million dollars in ESG funds that can be used to help people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
Job Titles:
- President of the Board of Directors
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh on November 14 signed the Housing Stability Notification Act, an ordinance ensuring Bostonians facing eviction know their rights and have access to critical information on available resources. Property owners and constables must provide tenants a document containing information on tenant rights and resources when issuing their tenant a Notice to Quit or Nonrenewal of Lease.
Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that the city will move forward with universal testing for all people experiencing homelessness. Boston has secured an additional 1,000 tests, which will allow public health officials to test all clients in the city's shelter system over the next two weeks.
Matthew Clarke is Writer/Editor at NLIHC. A member of the communications team, Matthew advances the Coalition's mission by providing technical writing and editing support to staff on major publications, external and internal communications, and development efforts.
Job Titles:
- NLIHC 's Senior Communications Specialist
- Senior Communications Specialist
May Louis-Juste is NLIHC's Senior Communications Specialist. Before joining NLIHC, May worked at DKC, a public relations agency, where she was a media relations coordinator, engaging with media and securing placements in local and national publications for an array of clients. Previously, she was a graduate intern at Edelman, where she assisted in digital communications for CEOs in the health technology and global corporate social responsibility sectors. A graduate of Howard University, May holds a bachelor's degree in strategic, legal, and management communication with a concentration in public relations and marketing.
Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced on July 1 his support for two proposals to support and serve people experiencing homelessness: the establishment of temporary, managed campsites and the creation of a new dedicated funding source.
Job Titles:
- Director, Office of Policy, Research, and Housing
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will seek a stay to keep a citywide eviction moratorium in effect after a housing court judge on November 29 struck down the policy. The judge stated that the city's public health commission had overstepped its emergency powers.
Job Titles:
- Director / Housing and Community Development
Representative Mike Connolly and House Housing Chair Kevin Honan filed the "COVID-19 Housing Stability Act" (H.D. 5166). The bill would extend the eviction moratorium for one year, protect small property owners in owner-occupied rental properties, freeze rents at pre-COVID levels, and take additional steps to protect renters and prevent evictions. Read a summary of the bill here.
Governor Mike Dunleavy issued the State of Alaska's COVID-19 Health Mandate 014 on Non-Congregate Sheltering. Alaska state officials announced a plan to use hotel rooms, university dorms, and other buildings to temporarily quarantine health care workers and homeless families with at least one member who tested positive for COVID-19 or require quarantine.
Governor Mike Parson highlighted the housing assistance available to Missourians during the pandemic. The state will use Community Development Block Grant and Emergency Solutions Grants to help meet the housing needs of Missouri residents.
Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) held a virtual meeting with the Housing Alliance of Morris County on housing security and homelessness response during the pandemic.
Job Titles:
- Operations Coordinator
- Operations Coordinator at NLIHC
Millen Asfaha is operations coordinator at NLIHC, where she works closely with the vice president of operations and finance and the director of operations to ensure efficient operations in support of NLIHC's mission to achieve racially and socially equitable public policy for those with the lowest incomes. Her responsibilities include assisting with financial management, organizational record-keeping, HR and IT support, and assisting with logistics for vital meetings and events.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director / Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
Mayor Muriel Bowser released a statement on September 10 reminding residents of available rental assistance and eviction prevention programs. The programs are funded through $40 million in CARES Act funds.
Job Titles:
- ERASE Project Coordinator
- Project Coordinator With the End Rental Arrears to Stop Evictions ( ERASE ) Team
Nada Hussein is project coordinator with the End Rental Arrears to Stop Evictions (ERASE) team. In this role, Nada works to advance the Coalition's mission and ensure that the historic emergency rental assistance appropriated by Congress reaches the lowest-income and most marginalized renters.
Governor Ned Lamont signaled on September 2 he would look to extend at least one of his emergency orders beyond its September 30 expiration date to preserve an eviction diversion policy. Governor Lamont told News8 he will ask the legislature to extend his executive order requiring landlords to offer state assistance before sending an eviction notice.
Governor Ned Lamont extended Connecticut's statewide eviction moratorium until the public health emergency expires on May 20. The moratorium was set to expire on April 20. Advocates say the state moratorium has not completely halted evictions due to built-in exceptions that allow landlords to evict tenants if they are at least six months behind on rent or if the landlord wants to use the unit as their primary residence.
Governor Ned Lamont on August 21 extended Connecticut's eviction moratorium to October 1. Governor Lamont also announced that he is doubling funding for Connecticut's COVID-19 rental assistance program. Just week's into Connecticut's COVID-19 rental assistance program, nearly 4,000 people have qualified for the program that was only supposed to serve 2,500 people.
Governor Ned Lamont announced on June 29 a plan to allocate more than $33 million in state and federal resources to provide assistance for renters, homeowners, and residential landlords impacted by COVID-19. In addition to these funds, larger Connecticut cities received $10 million in Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG-CV). The Connecticut Department of Housing is encouraging those municipalities to allocate some of the ESG-CV funds to provide rent arrearage assistance.
Job Titles:
- Senior Policy Analyst, Disaster Recovery
Born and raised in the DC area, Noah came to NLIHC from Baltimore, MD, where he worked at the Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc. (HPRP), helping to advocate for policies to expand public benefit programs and protecting Housing Choice Voucher holders. After working as a campaign and state house staffer in Maryland, Noah received a JD from the University of Baltimore School of Law. While in law school, Noah was heavily involved in coordinating Legal Observers of the National Lawyers Guild to protect the legal rights of Baltimore-area political protestors and served as a Kellogg's Law Fellow at the NAACP Office of the General Counsel working on transit equity and educational policy. Noah received his BA in political science from McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. He has been a member of the Maryland bar since 2018.
Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (S.3691) on August 4 that will help stem a wave of evictions. Under the new law, households with incomes up to 120% of area median income (AMI) cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rent owed between March 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021. The state eviction moratorium will end on August 31, 2021 for nonpayment of rent; however, households with incomes up to 80% of AMI can apply for an extension of the moratorium through December 2021 if they can demonstrate COVID-related economic hardship and have applied for emergency rental assistance.
Governor Phil Murphy urged the New Jersey Legislature to pass a stalled housing relief bill, nicknamed "The People's Bill," that would give renters time to pay back rent and provide stronger mortgage forbearance.
Montclair housing and homeless advocates are preparing for the upcoming winter, anticipating greater need due to the pandemic and economic recession. Advocates are predicting a wave of evictions once Governor Phil Murphy's executive order prohibiting evictions is lifted.
Governor Phil Murphy announced on August 7 the creation of the Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program. The $25 million program, funded through the CARES Act and administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, will provide emergency grant funding to small property owners for COVID-19 related decreases in rent revenue for a four-month period between April and July 2020.
Governor Phil Murphy announced on May 29 that New Jersey will provide $100 million in emergency rental assistance to residents who have been impacted by the pandemic. The program will allocate approximately 20% of funding to serve those who are very low-income, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness with up to 12 months of rental assistance. For the remainder of the funding, the Department of Community Affairs will administer an online lottery. The program will be funded primarily through the CARES Act.
Governor Phil Murphy announced expanded protections for individuals without permanent housing on April 24. Executive Order No. 106 protects access to hotels and motels for individuals without permanent housing and clarifies that municipalities are prohibited from imposing restrictions in response to the coronavirus pandemic on the ability of motels, hotels, guest houses, or private residents to accept any individuals who have no permanent housing.
Job Titles:
- Governor
- Illinois Governor
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker quietly extended the statewide eviction moratorium through September 18. The extended moratorium applies to all Illinois counties, even those reporting low COVID-19 transmission rates.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced on November 13 he was extending a host of pandemic-related executive orders for another 30 days, including an extension of the state's eviction moratorium. Governor Pritzker changed the eviction moratorium to be closer to the federal moratorium. Under the new eviction moratorium, tenants must sign a form declaring that they meet certain qualifications.
on October 16 announced he plans to extend Illinois' eviction moratorium for another month. "Nothing really has changed in terms of the effect of COVID-19 and its effect on the economy, its effect on people's jobs and their ability, or inability, to pay their rent or mortgage," said Governor Pritzker.
Governor Pritzker J.B. Pritzker will extend Illinois' eviction moratorium for another 30 days when the current executive order ends on August 22.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Housing Justice
PUSH Buffalo, a member of the Housing Justice for All coalition, is going door-to-door to educate renters on the tenant hardship declaration that must be filed by February 25 to be protected from eviction.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas appealed to the Jackson County Legislature on May 18 to receive $54,588,149 from Jackson County's $122.7 million disbursement of CARES Act funds. Of that amount, Kansas City plans to allocate $10 million for housing assistance, $500,000 for legal aid for low-income tenants facing eviction, and $5.5 million for social services, including support for homeless shelters and housing providers.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director of the New York Housing Conference
Rachel Fee, executive director of the New York Housing Conference, an NLIHC state partner, penned an opinion piece in City Limits arguing that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's proposal to cut the city's housing budget by 40% is shortsighted.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- CEO of Citizens
Rachel Heller, CEO of Citizens' Housing and Planning Association, an NLIHC state partner, wrote an op-ed examining the urgent need for emergency rental assistance to help renters and landlords who have been impacted by the pandemic. Heller discussed the need for a $50 million emergency appropriation for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition in the Massachusetts state budget and large-scale federal rent relief
Job Titles:
- Executive Director / Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President for Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Renee M. Willis is NLIHC's Senior Vice President for Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. In this role, Renee works to ensure that NLIHC's commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion is woven through its culture, policies, programs, and practices. She also leads NLIHC's intensified engagement of renters with low-incomes and people with lived-experience with homelessness and housing instability. From 2015 to 2021, Renee served as NLIHC's Vice President for Field and Communications. In 2020, she served as a fellow with the Shriver Center's Racial Justice Institute and joined a network of advocates working on race equity issues across the country.
Job Titles:
- Forsyth County Court Clerk
Forsyth County Court Clerk Renita Linville will make changes to eviction procedures, including extending the gap in the scheduling of eviction hearings and encouraging landlords to take advantage of mediation in disputes with tenants.
Job Titles:
- HOME Programs Assistant Manager
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator / Home
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- Executive Director / Alabama Housing Finance Authority
Governor Roy Cooper announced on June 29 that North Carolina's eviction moratorium will end on July 1. Six North Carolina Republican officials voted Tuesday to end statewide eviction protections for renters starting Thursday, rejecting Cooper's request to extend the state's eviction moratorium by one month.
Governor Roy Cooper on March 30 extended North Carolina's statewide eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021. See this fact sheet for more information on North Carolina's eviction moratorium.
Governor Roy Cooper on October 28 issued Executive Order No. 171 to strengthen eviction protections by requiring landlords to make tenants aware of their rights under the CDC order. The executive order clarifies the CDC moratorium applies to all residents who meet the CDC's eligibility criteria, regardless of whether they live in federally-subsidized properties. The order also ensures recipients of the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) program can still qualify for the protections.
Governor Roy Cooper's administration expects the state's rental and utility assistance program to open next week. Approximately $94 million will support rent and utility payments, and another $53 million will help families experiencing homelessness or facing immediate risk of homelessness. An additional $28 million will be administered by local governments to help pay rent and utility bills, food distribution, internet access, virus testing, and other approved spending categories.
Governor Roy Cooper announced $175 million to help North Carolinians with rental and utility support. The state's Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG-CV), and Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) will support three programs to help people avoid eviction.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Community Development / Minnesota
Job Titles:
- Executive Director / Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
Sarah previously served as a research associate with Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the nation's largest funder of civil legal services for low-income individuals. As part of the team behind LSC's congressionally funded Eviction Study, Sarah led the development of the Eviction Laws Database in partnership with the Center for Public Health Law Research at Temple University.
Job Titles:
- ERASE Senior Project Director
Sarah Gallagher is the ERASE (End Rental Arrears to Stop Evictions) Senior Project Director at NLIHC. In this role, Sarah works with NLIHC staff and with state and local partners to support efforts to ensure that emergency rental assistance reaches the lowest-income and most marginalized renters it is intended to help.
Job Titles:
- Director of Policy and Advocacy
- Policy and Advocacy Director
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Field Organizing
As Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Field Organizing, Sarah Saadian oversees NLIHC's broad policy portfolio and field mobilization efforts. With over a decade of experience successfully advancing affordable housing policies on Capitol Hill, Sarah has testified before Congress and has been quoted in major media outlets on a wide range of issues. Prior to joining NLIHC in 2016, Sarah worked as a senior analyst at Enterprise Community Partners and as policy counsel at Rapoza Associates. She graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2009 after receiving her bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia in 2005, and she has been a member of the Virginia State Bar since 2009.
Job Titles:
- Director of Housing Policy
Job Titles:
- Executive Director / North Carolina
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- Executive Director / Mississippi Home Corporation
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- Senior Advisor for Housing Policy & Programs / Ohio
Job Titles:
- HOME & NHTF Program Manager / Housing Finance Unit
Job Titles:
- Executive Director / Ohio
Job Titles:
- Deputy Executive Director for Policy
Job Titles:
- Rental Programs Administrator
Job Titles:
- Housing Advocacy Organizer
- NLIHC Housing Advocacy Organizer
Sidney Betancourt is a housing advocacy organizer on the NLIHC field team. She works to expand NLIHC membership and engage advocates on federal policy priorities to advance the Coalition's mission. Sidney also helps manage NLIHC's Tenant Talk publication and "Tenant Talk Live" webinar and works to strengthen the Coalition's tenant engagement efforts.
Job Titles:
- Research Analyst
- Research Analyst With NLIHC
Sophie is a research analyst with NLIHC. She first joined NLIHC as a field intern during her graduate studies. She has previous experience as a research assistant at the University of Maryland, a permanent supportive housing team member at Miriam's Kitchen in Washington, DC, and a community school director at United Way of Salt Lake. Sophie holds a BA in History and Education, Inquiry, and Justice from Georgetown University. She received a master of public policy and a master of social work from the University of Maryland, where she concentrated on social policy and community action.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- President and CEO of the Housing and Community Development
Staci Berger, president and CEO of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, an NLIHC state partner, wrote an op-ed in the NJ Spotlight, urging Congress to take bold action to protect New Jersey renters.
Job Titles:
- Development Coordinator
- Development Coordinator at NLIHC
As a development coordinator at NLIHC, Steve Moore Sanchez draws on his extensive background in fundraising and public policy to ensure the Coalition secures the necessary resources to support its mission. Prior to joining NLIHC, he served as a writer for development at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, where he crafted proposals, reports, donor communications, and other materials on the organization's work to strengthen housing, health, nutrition, and other essential programs. Steve also has experience planning and coordinating fundraising efforts at Prosperity Now, Farmworker Justice, and the Washington Office on Latin America.
Job Titles:
- Upstate Member Services Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of the Universal Health Care Action Network Ohio
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- Chairman, North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People
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- President of the Melville Charitable Trust
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- Director of the KC Tenants
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- State Partner
Tara Rollins, executive director of the Utah Housing Coalition, an NLIHC state partner, expressed concern about a potential rise of evictions in the coming months.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach
Job Titles:
- ERASE Senior Project Coordinator
Victoria (Tori) Bourret joined NLIHC in January 2018 as a housing advocacy organizer and transitioned to her present position as ERASE senior project coordinator at the beginning of 2023. As an ERASE senior project coordinator, Tori works with the ERASE team to advance the Coalition's mission and ensure that the historic emergency rental assistance appropriated by Congress reaches the lowest-income and most marginalized renters for whom it is intended. As a housing advocacy organizer, Tori mobilized and activated the field around the Coalition's policy priorities, supervised interns, and managed the state partner network, among other activities.
Job Titles:
- President of the Hotel Association of New York City
Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the state and city will halt subway service between 1 and 5am each night to disinfect every train every 24 hours. Homeless advocates expressed concern that people experiencing homelessness who had been staying in subway stations will have nowhere to go.
Vijay Dandapani, president of the Hotel Association of New York City, said that city hotels are ready and willing to help house people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. The city cites health and safety concerns as justification for why it has not expanded its current hotel program. Giselle Routhier, policy director for Coalition for the Homeless, an NLIHC state partner, stated that the city's delay in housing unsheltered residents in hotels is due to a lack of will.
Job Titles:
- Housing Development Officer