Housing

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush has introduced a bill that would give federal health officials the authority to implement federal eviction bans during a public health crisis.

St. Louis County officials have until the end of the month to distribute about $8 million more in federal rental aid. If the county does not do so, the money will be returned to the federal government.

Some renters in the St. Louis region could be put out of their homes soon now that the U.S. Supreme Court has lifted a federal ban on evictions. Housing advocates expect a wave of evictions if state and local officials do not process renters' aid applications soon.

St. Louis and St. Louis County judges on Friday rescinded eviction moratoriums aimed at keeping people in their homes. Attorneys for people who face evictions in the region say moratoriums kept families from being displaced during a public health crisis.

Some renters in the St. Louis region cannot pay rent because they lost their income during the economic crisis sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. But landlords also are struggling, and without rent payments they may have to evict people after the federal ban on evictions expires in early October.

People who are behind in rent and face eviction can apply for assistance at pop-up rental aid clinics across St. Louis. Horizon Housing Development Co. in south St. Louis and Wohl Recreation Center in north St. Louis will accept walk-ins.

Housing advocates say city officials must release rental aid quickly to help people who are behind on their rent stay in their homes during a public health crisis.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones announced Tuesday that the city would open pop-up rental aid assistance clinics next week. Hours later, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended a moratorium on evictions until Oct. 3.

A moratorium on evictions by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ends Saturday. Housing advocates say time is running out for thousands of people who have waited months for rental assistance.

Since Feb. 15, Missouri has put $17.4 million into the hands of nearly 3,500 families — a significant jump from $3.6 million provided to about 700 families by the middle of May.