The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Congress needs to provide eviction and mortgage relief now before the coming crisis

Perspective by
November 30, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. EST
Sheets displaying messages of protest about the ability to pay rent hang in the window of an apartment building in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of D.C. (Tom Brenner/Reuters)

As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, tens of millions of Americans are struggling to remain in their homes.

Congress acted forcefully in the spring to help strapped renters and homeowners, but that help is about to run out. More is needed, and fast. Through rental relief, a generous refinancing option and a first-time home buyer tax credit, low- and moderate-income households can get vital near-term help and a longer-term foothold in the middle class.