The Looming COVID-19 Housing and Health Crisis in the US: Results from a National and Four-City Survey

Abstract

Affordable housing is a key determinant of health, and it has become a major issue for millions of vulnerable households during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about Americans' financial burdens in paying for housing costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly after federal aid was initially distributed. In a randomized, representative survey of households nationally and in the four largest U.S. cities during the COVID-19 pandemic (n=3,454), we found widespread, serious burdens reported with paying for housing costs (including rent, mortgage, and utilities). Nationally, forty percent of households with employment disruptions (40%) reported serious financial problems paying their housing costs, including half or more in New York (50%), Los Angeles (50%), and Houston (60%). More than one-third of renters nationally (38%) and in the four largest U.S. cities (Houston -59%, Los Angeles -50%, New York City -38%, Chicago -37%) reported serious problems paying housing costs during this time. Serious cost burdens were concentrated among renters, Black and Hispanic households, and households with recent job or wage losses. The federal government earmarked limited funding specifically toward improving housing stability in December 2020, but it was a fraction of what is believed necessary to provide stability to the housing market for vulnerable groups. A patchwork of housing and financial protection programs are set to expire in 2021 with limited ongoing mechanisms to cover back rent or utility payments, widely placing vulnerable households at risk for health and economic problems unless further policy action is taken.

An Examination of Discrimination on Stress, Depression, and Oppression-Based Trauma During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Racial Awakening of 2020

“…55–57 Not only did COVID-19 expose disparate outcomes for POC but it also resulted in significant increases in discrimination and violence against Asian people. 58 As such, COVID-19 represents a significant source of race-related stress for POC.…”