Democrats push for streamlined disaster aid for renters

Renters facing climate disasters often struggle to get federal housing aid, prompting Senate Democrats to propose reforms to simplify the process.

Marianne Lavelle reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• Renters often face challenges getting FEMA aid, needing documentation like leases or landlord statements.
• A proposed bill aims to expand acceptable proof of residence and allow self-certification for aid eligibility.
• The bill could reopen past denied applications for disasters since 2017.

Key quote:

“Disasters themselves maybe don’t discriminate, but our infrastructure does, which means that the people that have the least are also the ones that get hit the worst.”

— Kathryn Gaasch, MDC program director

Why this matters:

Renters are often the most vulnerable after disasters but face systemic barriers in obtaining aid. Simplifying access could help address inequities in disaster recovery and ensure all affected communities receive support.

Related: Hurricane survivors face eviction threats amid calls for housing protections