Uncertainty ahead as hotels end COVID-19 housing for people experiencing homelessness Share Updated: 2:25 PM CDT Jun 27, 2021 By KELLI KENNEDY and LISA RATHKE, Associated Press Writers
Uncertainty ahead as hotels end COVID-19 housing for people experiencing homelessness Share Updated: 2:25 PM CDT Jun 27, 2021
Hide Transcript
Show Transcript a look inside a cell in this motel being turned into housing for the homeless. The city and nonprofits use state money to buy the property through the state s Home Key Project Action News eight Reporter Christopher Salis has more on the transition for the building and the people who live there. Mhm. Salinas s former goodnight in now providing better nights for those like Regina Labelle. The biggest fear I ever had was being homeless. But that was her reality. Starting in 2017, I lost my father during that time. And uh it was very difficult with family with people who knew me in the community. Prior to that
As funding ends in cities across the U.S., city officials and advocacy groups are working to secure housing for the homeless leaving hotels, but it’s challenging.
Several cities like New Orleans ended their programs months ago amid financing shortages. Experts warn there aren t enough shelter beds, which means sending many back on the streets. In one Vermont community, social workers are offering camping equipment to some homeless people no longer eligible to stay at motels come month s end.
Cities drew from various federal pots to fund the homeless hotels. The Federal Emergency Management Agency extended its funding through September, but the approval process is so arduous that many jurisdictions are not taking advantage of it.
The crunch comes as millions across the country face uncertainty over the end of a federal freeze on most evictions on July 31. The ban kept many people from being turned onto the streets during the pandemic, yet it also artificially kept many units off the market meaning less long-term housing for those already homeless.
El COVID deja en encrucijada a los desamparados en EEUU
PorAP
Todos en la calle conocen a Sir Charles , el tipo flaco con el saxofón, gafas de sol, sombrero de fieltro y una sonrisa de megavatios. En una actuación esta semana en el icónico bar de playa Elbo Room, bailó con un refresco en la mano mientras guardias de seguridad se burlaban él, las damas aplaudían y los clientes deslizaban unos dólares en su tarro de propinas.
Pero tras apagarse la magia de vida nocturna de un músico callejero, el hombre de 63 años regresó a un motel sórdido de Fort Lauderdale, apoyó la cabeza en una almohada y se preguntó cuántas noches le quedarían durmiendo bajo techo.