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Housing Trust Fund to receive estimated $739.6 million
Recent data submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission indicates the national Housing Trust Fund (HTF) will receive an estimated $739.6 million in 2022.
The estimate, based on 10-K forms recently submitted by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, would be an increase from the $689.7 million in 2021.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “HTF funds may be used for the production or preservation of affordable housing through the acquisition, new construction, reconstruction, and/or rehabilitation of non-luxury housing with suitable amenities.” Funds are distributed as block grants to states using a formula based on four factors that only consider renter household needs.
New Report Provides Detailed Data on Beneficiaries Who Are Dually Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid
Dual-eligible beneficiaries, or individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits because of their income level and age or disability status, can face a range of challenges in navigating and coordinating care through two separate systems. This population also experiences worse health outcomes, on average, as well as higher healthcare expenditures than non-dual beneficiaries, leading to concerns that those barriers to care are increasing costs while producing poor results.
CDC Provides Guidance on Talking With Parents About COVID-19 Vaccination
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges everyone ages 5 and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible. More than 543 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been given in the United States through February 7, 2022, according to CDC.
Small Business Pulse Survey Completes Phase 7
The U.S. Census Bureau has released the latest data collected through its Small Business Pulse Survey (SBPS), a multi-phasal effort which measures how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted small businesses across the country. The most recent phase of this study concluded on January 16, 2022. Beginning in April 2020, SBPS measures the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across a number of variables, including operating revenues and finances, employee retention and scheduling, changes in operations since March 2020, and measures implemented to slow or prevent the spread of COVID-19 among employees, such as vaccination and testing requirements
A Fresh New Year
As we ring in the new year, many of us are thinking about how we would like to better ourselves in 2022—and at the top of many people’s lists is a happier, healthier lifestyle. Better physical fitness, healthier diets, and weight loss frequently top surveys asking Americans about their New Year’s resolutions, and 2022 is no different. But getting started can be daunting, especially for those who may not have had access to a variety of fresh produce in the past (or for picky eaters looking to branch out to something new!).
January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month
January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month, which aims to call attention to the growth of poverty in America. The COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated the issue for families and communities nationwide. Poverty is a complex social issue; it can manifest in hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, disabilities, and social discrimination and exclusion, among other ways. People living in poverty having an increased risk of chronic conditions, lower life expectancy, and barriers to receiving quality healthcare.
Report Calls for National Eviction Database to Better Track Trends
Policymakers need reliable data to develop tools and strategies to effectively combat the nation’s eviction epidemic, according to a report exploring the prevalence and impact of evictions. The report, which appeared in Evidence Matters in summer 2021, found that current eviction data are often incomplete, incorrect, or difficult to compare across geographic areas. Thus, the authors call for the development of a national eviction database.
New Census Report Explores Wellbeing of Older Adults Who Are Childless
A new report from the U.S. Census Bureau provides a snapshot of the wellbeing of older adults who are childless. The report shows how declines in marriage and fertility and increased cohabitation in the general population are starting to be reflected in the lives of aging adults. The report, Childless Older Americans: 2018, found that 15.2 million (16.5 percent) of 92.2 million adults aged 55 and older are childless. Moreover, the new data found that those aged 55 to 64 were more likely to be childless.
NHLP Releases Survey Showing Impact of the End of Eviction Moratorium
Rising eviction cases, more illegal evictions and lockouts, and judges ignoring or inconsistently applying federal and state law are some of the problems a new survey identifies since the end of the federal eviction moratorium. The survey, from the National Housing Law Project (NHLP), shows that courts and landlords continue to evict tenants despite receiving rental assistance funds and legal protections for tenants.