September 3, 2020 Washington DC — Statement from Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, including federally-assisted housing for older adults living on low incomes: 

“With this order to temporarily halt evictions for many people impacted by COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has delivered critical protection for older adults, who are most at risk during the pandemic. LeadingAge welcomes this action. 

Now that many high-risk residents can breathe a sigh of relief, Congress must take action to prevent major rent backlogs for housing providers and residents. Without additional financial support, residents unable to pay rent during the moratorium will be on the hook for thousands of dollars in rent once the eviction protections expire. 

Congress must also protect the providers who serve at-risk residents. Senior housing communities operate on lean budgets and are spending thousands a month on unexpected COVID-19 costs to keep communities safe. Relief legislation must provide financial support to ensure that affordable housing providers remain solvent throughout the crisis.

For over six months, both residents and providers of affordable housing have suffered severe financial strain as a result of the pandemic. With this order, the federal government has addressed immediate protections for many renters. Now, Congress must finish the job by delivering financial support to help keep older adults safely and stably housed.”

We represent more than 5,000 aging-focused organizations that touch millions of lives every day. Alongside our members and 38 state partners, we address critical issues by blending applied research, advocacy, education, and community-building. We bring together the most inventive minds in our field to support older adults as they age wherever they call home. We make America a better place to grow old. For more information: www.leadingage.org