Relief and Housing Assistance for COVID-Impacted Communities
Channel: eesionline
Date: 23/02/2021

https://youtu.be/CjTvqNUlFRQ

For more information: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/021921eefa

Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing hosted in coordination with the National Housing Trust and the Natural Resources Defense Council (national partners with the Energy Efficiency for All project) about the costs and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn for housing and energy services.

Speakers: 
Katrina Metzler
Executive Director, National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC)
Download Slides: https://www.eesi.org/files/Katrina_Metzler_Slides.pdf
Skip to presentation: https://youtu.be/CjTvqNUlFRQ?t=256

Andreanecia Morris
President, Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance
Download Slides: https://www.eesi.org/files/Andreanicia_Morris.pdf
Skip to presentation: https://youtu.be/CjTvqNUlFRQ?t=1281

Tony Reames
Assistant Professor, University of Michigan
Download Slides: https://www.eesi.org/files/Tony_Reames_EESI_EEFA_Presentation.pdf
Skip to presentation: https://youtu.be/CjTvqNUlFRQ?t=2176

Lauren Ross
Senior Director for Policy, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
Download Slides: https://www.eesi.org/files/Lauren_Ross_Slides.pdf
Skip to presentation: https://youtu.be/CjTvqNUlFRQ?t=3133

Question & Answer Session
Skip to presentation: https://youtu.be/CjTvqNUlFRQ?t=3944

Panelists explored issues faced locally by communities hard-hit by the dual crises, especially in southern and midwestern regions, including mounting utility bill arrearages; electric, gas and water shutoffs; and evictions. The harmful effects of the crises are distributed unevenly, with unjust burdens crushing low-income, Black, Indigenous, and people-of-color communities.

Speakers discussed national policy solutions that can deliver relief and help communities eager to recover. The Biden-Harris Administration and many in Congress are proposing increases in energy, water, and rental assistance and other provisions that protect against shutoffs and evictions. Panelists had a discussion with participants online about the threats to communities and the different policy solutions already in place—including the CARES Act and the COVID-19 Economic Relief Bill—and those currently being debated, such as President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.