Evictions

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.

The measure replaces the national moratorium from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court on Aug. 26.

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.

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.

Mayor Tishaura Jones discussed her first 100 days in office on "St. Louis on the Air" and shared what she sees as priorities in the coming months.

Illinois begins winding down its eviction moratorium on Aug. 1. Bob Palmer, policy director for Housing Action Illinois, shares resources residents can tap into for financial and housing 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.

The eviction crisis advocates fear is on the horizon will likely have a disproportionate impact on communities of color, single female-led households and households with children. That’s according to a new report from the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing & Opportunity Council, which found that more than 5,000 evictions were filed in the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County between March 2020 and January 2021.