Manley-Backed Emergency Housing Legislation Signed into Law

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – With many residents facing uncertainty due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, supported legislation helping families stay in their homes.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone has made enormous sacrifices and endured hardship to keep each other safe,” said Manley. “Unfortunately, many residents are hurting financially because of the economic conditions this pandemic has caused, and those hit hardest are facing housing insecurity. This legislation will ensure that residents have the resources and protections needed to not lose their homes.”

Manley co-sponsored House Bill 2877, which provides a number of protections and programs to assist residents in keeping their housing. The bill allocates approximately $564 million in federal emergency rental assistance program (ERAP) funds, which will be used for emergency assistance for both tenants and landlords. The bill also includes numerous protections for tenants, including temporarily sealing eviction court records to ensure that those who were hit hardest by the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic aren’t punished by having difficulty finding new housing.

“No one deserves to lose something as fundamentally important as their home due to circumstances far beyond their control,” said Manley. “Residents held up their end of the bargain to help us get through this pandemic, it is more than fair that they are given relief and don’t have to lose their homes or struggle to find new housing.”

For more information or to apply for aid, residents can visit IllinoisHousingHelp.org.