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

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