For some victims of domestic violence or human trafficking, escaping their abusive situation is often complicated by the question of how to put a roof over the head of themselves and their loved ones if they flee. A program designed to offer assistance during the pandemic has since provided housing relief for tens of thousands of people in need.
While originally funded to last until the end of the decade, the Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) program has seen rising rents lower that projection. A letter sent to organizations by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) warns that the allocated funding will run out by 2026 at the latest. Unless Congress adds provisions for EHVs in its budget, almost 60,000 Americans may find themselves unable to meet their rent requirements and out on the street.
Helping Those Who Need It the Most
The COVID-19 pandemic hit the world quite unlike any other event in recent history, with many schools and businesses functioning remotely. Also called the Stimulus Package, 2021's American Rescue Plan Act addressed the needs of a paralyzed nation with financial aid packages for citizens and businesses alike.
EHVs were added to the Act as a helping hand for those suffering extra hardship due to the shutdown. This included unhoused veterans, domestic violence victims, and those who had escaped human trafficking. As a separate supplement to Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs), also known as Section 8 assistance, EHV Program Housing Assistance Payments (HAPs) expanded the number of those receiving funds to help pay their rents.
The EHV HAP was allocated funding of $5 billion in the Rescue Plan Act. Initial extrapolation indicated that the money would last until the end of the decade, but that's changed. Due to increased numbers needing EHV HAP assistance and the ballooning rents, the program will fall several years short of that estimate.
Following the Funding
Under the guidance of the HUD, EHV HAP's were allocated to qualifying Continuums of Care (CoCs), Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), and Victim Service Providers (VSPs). Putting the alphabet soup aside, the vouchers went to segments of the population who had the greatest need for assistance with their housing payments.
EHV HAP funding was often provided to those fleeing dangerous situations such as human trafficking, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. It also strived to meet the housing needs of the unhoused or those at risk of being unhoused, with a focus on veterans.
In a letter sent in March 2025 to agencies that oversee EHV HAP disbursement, the HUD warns that they should begin operating their programs as if there would be no further funding provided. While updated numbers are scheduled for reveal in April, the HUD informed the recipients that while there's a chance current funding may last into some of 2026, they should plan for it to cease in 2025.
Funding Faces Uphill Battle
As of mid-April 2025, Congress has yet to accept and pass a federal government budget for the 2025 fiscal year. Rep. Maxine Waters, one of the original proponents behind EHVs, has pushed for an additional $8 billion in funding for the program to be included as part of the budget.
But Republicans have focused more on slashing the federal budget as opposed to adding to it, so further funding for EHVs faces an uphill battle.
For people who depend on these funds to have a place to call home, now may be a good time to start exploring any and all available options.
Related Resources
- Congressional Spending and Borrowing Power (FindLaw's Congressional Powers and the U.S. Constitution)
- Fair Housing: Federal Laws (FindLaw's Civil Rights Laws)
- Military Service Employment Rights Under the USERRA (FindLaw's Wages and Benefits Law)
