News Roundup

  • Many Americans Spiral Deeper into Credit Card Debt to Prevent Eviction
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    As the economic crisis continues and Congress fails to provide financial relief, more Americans are relying on credit cards to pay rent and bills. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia found the number of people paying their rent using a credit card has increased by 70 percent, and though some banks may be waiving late fees, they are still charging interest. Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody Analytics, fears that without a national eviction moratorium and federal aid to landlords, the US will witness mass eviction.
  • A Rural Public Housing Project Turned Clinic Provides Affordable Women’s Health Care
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    A health clinic in Brown County, Texas, was converted from a public housing project to provide critical care to rural women—especially low-income and uninsured Texans. The housing authority that houses the clinic subsidizes its rent and utilities and refers many residents to its care. Other funding comes from grants, government programs, and donations. “For rural individuals, they may go five years in between a simple clinical breast exam and it’s not because they intend to—it’s just, they have to choose: ‘Do I put milk on the table? Do I feed my family or do I go in and pay $300 per screening?’” said Jane Bolin, deputy director of the Southwest Rural Health Research Center at Texas A&M University.

  • Housing Authorities Consider Switching from Gas to Electric Stoves
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    The Durham Housing Authority is considering installing electric stoves after a report found gas appliances were emitting carbon monoxide in residents’ units. As public housing authorities across the country pursue redevelopment and renovations, they want the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to consider environmental and health benefits when granting federal funds. “Electric stoves, which have improved substantially over recent years, might be a small solution that goes a long way to improving residents’ quality of life,” stated New York city council member Costa Constantinides.
  • Dallas Partnership Protects People Experiencing Homelessness from Freezing Temperatures
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    The nonprofit OurCalling and the City of Dallas worked together with external partners to provide 240 hotel rooms, food, transportation, and case management to people experiencing homelessness during dangerously cold weather. In an additional effort to address the remaining shortage of bed space, Dallas passed a resolution in November allowing nonprofits and churches to serve as inclement weather shelters.