Last week, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a temporary halt on evictions nationwide  through the remainder of 2020. For tenants who qualify, the CDC’s order helps keep them housed.

However, we don’t know when this pandemic will be over or when the economy will recover. Also, at a time when our economy is in shambles and unemployment remains high, it’s shameful how this order isn’t coupled with a form of rental assistance. Families still need long-term financial relief that will keep tenants from falling into a debt trap on January 1. Also, the CDC order leaves some tenants without adequate eviction protections.

We need long-term solutions that not only keep people housed, but give them a way to get back on their feet. At a minimum, the federal government should freeze rents and mortgages. No one should have to pay rent or mortgage while they’re unemployed or under-employed. This is the only way we can prevent a housing crisis that will make a recovery difficult if not impossible.