What the next covid relief plan could mean for rent and mortgage assistance

This is our newsletter, Hard Reset. Sign up here. Donate to Big If True here.

On Saturday, the Senate approved a $1.9 trillion relief package, which goes to the House today for another vote. The plan would give most households $1,400 stimulus checks, and it would dedicate $27 billion to rent and utility assistance. Another $10 billion would go toward mortgage assistance.
About half of non-retired adults said that the pandemic’s economic impact will make it harder to achieve their financial goals, according to a Pew Research Center survey.
An analysis from The Markup found that Facebook shows Black people sponsored posts on covid-19 safety and vaccines less often than it does for other users.

As part of a series reflecting on the statewide impact of covid, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette spoke with covid long-haulers, who have lasting symptoms caused by the illness. Researchers estimate 10 to 30% of Americans who are infected with covid become long-haulers, and dozens of clinics dedicated to treating those patients are popping up across the country.
The Arizona Republic followed three students during and after their last semester of high school, which landed squarely during the pandemic. The students didn’t attend college as planned, and some educators are concerned that the pandemic will cause more young people to do the same.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, San Francisco has set up six tent sites to provide shelter and meals to people experiencing homeless. The camps have a $16 million price tag, and unlike other shelter programs, this one can’t be covered with funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In Utah, Salt Lake City police arrested an activist who was helping move people out of a homeless encampment before the city planned to clear it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended cities not conduct encampment sweeps during the pandemic.

Thank you for reading Hard Reset. Send me feedback and tips: bryant@bigiftrue.org and 405-990-0988.

– Mollie Bryant
Founder and editor, Big If True