Torres Introduces Bill to Help Americans Find & Keep Homes During Pandemic

Press Release

Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today introduced the Keep Your Home and Prevent Homelessness Act, which would help homeowners, renters, and homeless individuals keep or find a home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Torres' bill would allow the U.S. Treasury to invest at least $500 million, and potentially billions of dollars left over from the 2008 TARP program into the Hardest Hit Fund and the Emergency Solutions Grants Program.

Rep. Torres released the following statement:

"I've heard from residents across the Inland Empire who are struggling to keep a roof overhead during this economic downturn," Rep. Torres said. "Ensuring a safe place to shelter from this pandemic is crucial to preventing virus spread and saving lives, which is exactly what my bill does. In the midst of a once-in-a-century outbreak, the Keep Your Home and Prevent Homelessness Act is a commonsense way to deliver meaningful relief, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me to make it a reality."

Torres has long been an advocate for affordable housing, and has used her position on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and as the NewDem Housing Taskforce Chair to deliver relief for Inland Empire residents throughout the pandemic.

Prior to her time in Congress, Torres led efforts in the State Legislature to provide financial assistance to millions of California families negatively impacted by the great recession, helped secure $2 billion in federal funds for the "Keep Your Home California" program, passed the Homeowner's Bill of Rights, and authored legislation to accelerate the construction of affordable housing, help delinquent homeowners refinance their second mortgages, and make it easier for returning veterans to purchase homes.

The full text of the Keep Your Home and Prevent Homelessness Act is available here.

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