Evaluating the impact of rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Evaluating Rental Relief During the COVID-19 Pandemic

NIH-funded research Boston College · NIH-10832684

This study looks at how the Emergency Rental Assistance Program has helped low-income families and communities of color during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on whether it has kept people in their homes and improved their mental well-being.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10832684 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has affected low-income households and communities of color during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to systematically evaluate the design and implementation of ERAP across different states and localities, focusing on how these variations influence housing stability and related mental health outcomes. By using quasi-experimental methods, the study will analyze the effects of rental assistance on preventing evictions and alleviating financial stress for renters. The findings could provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of rental relief measures in mitigating the pandemic's economic impact.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include low-income renters and households of color who have experienced housing instability or financial distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not a fit: Patients who are homeowners or those who have not faced economic challenges related to housing during the pandemic may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved policies that enhance housing stability and mental health support for vulnerable populations.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that rental assistance programs can significantly reduce eviction rates and improve mental health outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Chestnut Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.