New legislation is being introduced to ensure universal rental assistance for those struggling with homelessness and affordable housing.

The legislation is called the Ending Homelessness Act of 2021. It was introduced by Rep. Ritchie Torres, and it’s designed to combat homelessness and increasingly unaffordable housing across the country. 

The new legislation would expand eligibility for Section-8 vouchers, making rental assistance more available to those struggling with homelessness. 

Section-8 vouchers provide subsidies to low-income individuals and families so they can afford safe and decent housing. 

Currently, New York City operates on a lottery system for Section-8 vouchers. Applicants have to apply during a certain time period, and it could take months or years to hear back. 

The legislation would also ban source of income discrimination by landlords so that more low-income households could effectively benefit from the rental assistance.