Evictions (Summer 2021)

Editor’s Note

This issue of Evidence Matters examines the nation’s eviction crisis. In this issue, you will learn about the prevalence of eviction in the United States and its impact, the racial disparity in eviction cases, the challenges involved in measuring eviction, and the eviction prevention measures that policymakers have implemented to keep people stably housed.

The lead article, “Affordable Housing, Eviction, and Health,” discusses the causes and consequences of eviction, the effects of racial disparities in eviction rates, and eviction’s impact on tenants’ physical and mental health, highlighting the countereviction measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Research Spotlight article, “Prevalence and Impact of Evictions,” examines the prevalence of formal, informal, and illegal evictions in the United States and the metrics used to calculate evictions. The article discusses the need for a national database but notes the challenges associated with such an endeavor, including limitations in data availability and comparability.

The In Practice article, “Eviction Prevention Initiatives,” highlights several state and city eviction prevention programs and initiatives across the nation. The article details how these programs work, the extent of the services provided, and the efficacy of these programs in providing housing stability both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We hope that the articles in this issue of Evidence Matters will provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the eviction crisis in the United States. We welcome feedback at www.huduser.gov/forums.