COVID-19 Crisis: What is Happening to Latino Renters?
On September 30, UnidosUS hosted a virtual town hall, “COVID-19 – What is Happening to Latino Renters?” about the struggles that Latino renters are experiencing in the housing market as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Approximately one in five renters are at risk of eviction. The risk is even higher for our community. For example, the week of July 21, one in three Black and Latino renters reported that they were unable to pay rent, compared with 20% of White and Asian renters.
Back in May, UnidosUS, SOMOS Health Care, and MoveOn partnered to poll the Latino community on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It showed that 50% of respondents were having trouble paying for basic expenses. Months later, Latinos have the highest unemployment rate of any racial or ethnic group. Now, as eviction moratoria start expiring, our community is struggling.
Congressman Garcia (IL-4) highlighted what’s happening on the national level in terms of the housing crisis, and Luis Granados, CEO of UnidosUS Affiliate Mission Economic Development Agency, explained what he’s seen on the local level.
