Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford issued the following comment on a White House and CDC order aimed at temporarily halting evictions through the end of 2020:

“As Habitat has long maintained, COVID-19 is not just a public health crisis—it is a housing crisis. Tens of millions of families are out of work but rent and mortgage payments are still stubbornly due. Through this action, the White House and CDC are acknowledging the critical tie between our housing and our health, and they are extending a lifeline to millions of families on the brink of losing their homes at the worst possible time.

“But Americans need more.

“This action provides a temporary reprieve, when what is truly needed is long-term stability. Through our Cost of Home campaign, Habitat for Humanity is calling on Congress to enact legislation that provides rental and mortgage payment assistance for low-income families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fallout. This will help stabilize the housing market, help families stay in their homes over the long term, and avert a vicious circle of deeper debts and trade-offs that will only compound our housing challenges when the ban expires in December.”