New Hampshire venues frustration rises with plodding pace of federal help
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New Hampshire venues frustration rises with plodding pace of federal help
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Published: 6/3/2021 11:14:01 AM
New Hampshire housing advocates say they largely support Gov. Chris Sununu’s recent proposal to divert federal dollars meant for rent relief and other housing aid toward creating new affordable units.
That plan, which requires U.S. Treasury Department approval, would help ease a serious housing crunch in the Granite State, reduce the cost of rent and boost economic growth, they say.
In a May 4 letter, Sununu asked Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to let New Hampshire use funds from the state’s $200 million Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program to help build affordable housing. That program, which opened in March, offers cash aid for past-due and future rent, utilities and other housing-related costs – including internet and relocation expenses – caused directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic.
But solving adequate affordable housing remains a priority for housing advocates
March 15, 2021
Martha Stone, executive director of Cross Roads House in Portsmouth, which provides emergency and transitional housing services. ‘Even people who are employed cannot typically afford a market-rate apartment,’ she says. (Photo by Scott Merrill)
One year after the Covid-19 pandemic was declared a public health emergency by Gov. Chris Sununu, the rental market in New Hampshire will receives another dose of government assistance on March 15. But even with new relief on the way, the creation of affordable housing remains a pressing issue.
The latest round of assistance $20 million – comes from a stimulus bill passed in January that dedicated $25 billion to the states.