After natural (or economic) disasters, this new bill would guarantee housing assistance
The Crisis Housing Act would automatically activate housing vouchers for the poorest to spend on housing after hurricanes and wildfires—or if a state’s unemployment rate increases drastically.
Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and other acts of God leave thousands of people stranded every year, after their homes are destroyed. It’s estimated that Hurricane Harvey left as many as 30,000 displaced, Hurricane Maria displaced 50,000, and Katrina 600,000. Many of the displaced tend to be extremely low-income, people who have consistently been excluded from government programs. That often leaves them with little choice but to sleep in uninhabitable homes, crowded shelters, or even become homeless.