Rep. Kuster speaking with housing advocates. Watch the discussion here.

Hopkinton, NH - Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) held a virtual roundtable discussion with NH housing advocates to discuss the immediate and lasting impacts of COVID-19 on housing agencies, landlords and residents. The group discussed state-wide eviction trends and the need for more housing relief funding. According to a report by the Aspen Institute, 24,000-39,000 households in New Hampshire are at risk of eviction by the end of the year. New Hampshire received $35 million from the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund to assist families or individuals in need of housing as a result of COVID-19, and the state will soon receive $39.5 million more in CARES funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support affordable housing for those impacted by the pandemic. 

“Housing is a right for all Americans and that is especially true during a pandemic when people need to socially distance and stay at home,” said Kuster. “Unfortunately, so many vulnerable Granite Staters are struggling to get by and risk losing the roof over their head. The initial funding from the CARES Act was a much-needed lifeline, but it is not enough. Congress must do more, and I look forward to sharing the insights I heard today with my colleagues as we continue working to ensure all Americans have access to a safe, affordable place to live.” 

"Housing Action NH appreciates updating Congresswoman Kuster on the affordable housing landscape in New Hampshire," said Elissa Margolin, director of Housing Action NH. "The pandemic has revealed how fragile a system can be and how urgent it really is to address our state's affordable housing needs."

During the discussion, Kuster heard from:

• Ben Frost, Managing Director of Policy & Public Affairs at the NH Housing Finance Authority
• Elissa Margolin, Director of Housing Action NH
• John Manning, CEO of Southwestern Community Services
• Elliott Berry, Managing Attorney and Housing Project Director of NH Legal Assistance

Kuster voted in favor of the CARES Act in March, and supported the HEROES Act in May, which provided additional funding to ensure Americans can stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In May, Kuster joined the NH delegation in calling for additional funding in the next COVID-19 relief package to support those who are experiencing - or are at risk of experiencing - homelessness. 

Watch the full discussion here. 

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