Tenants that are evicted may suffer from severe stress, including health problems; in their future prospects for renting; and having to change jobs or schools (affecting employers and social fabrics). A pre-pandemic Vermont report estimated that with just $800,000 in annual funding, half of evictions could be avoided. Reducing the legal, social, and economic costs of evictions would benefit the entire community. Such a fund would pay directly to landlords and be limited so that it is not a fix for recurrent problems. Major financial assistance has been provided to states for the pandemic on rental assistance, but this funding is not a sustained source.
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