Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) cosponsored legislation introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to assist state and local governments responding to the needs of families and individuals experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. The Public Health Emergency Shelter Act of 2020 authorizes emergency homeless assistance grants to help respond to the public health emergency related to COVID-19.
“Nevada continues to be one of the hardest hit states in the nation by the economic impacts of the coronavirus. This has exacerbated an already difficult housing situation for many workers who could barely afford housing before the crisis, and are now facing financial insecurity, in addition to those with existing mental health challenges that lack support. I’m working as hard as I can to secure every support possible for Nevadans so that we can weather this crisis, restart our economy, keep a roof over the heads of hardworking families and get people safely back to work.”
BACKGROUND:
The Public Health Emergency Shelter Act of 2020 authorizes $11.5 billion in Emergency Solutions Grants and $4 billion for rapid rehousing. It would provide funding for direct engagement, shelters, rapid re-housing, and prevention.
In 2019, Nevada had 7,169 homeless individuals – a rate of more than 50+ people experiencing homelessness per 10,000 individuals. Fifty-three percent of those were unsheltered. Nevada had the highest rate of homeless unaccompanied youth at 1,012 individuals.
The bill is endorsed by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the National Housing Law Project, and the National Alliance to End Homelessness.