Nearly 8.5 million people were lifted out of poverty last year, an unprecedented decline in a single year that occurred largely because of the stimulus checks. Poverty in America is defined as a family of four living on less than about $26,250 a year.

Individuals and families need a range of supports to thrive, lead healthy and productive lives, and participate fully in the economy. An interconnected suite of policy interventions that addresses economic stability and family care needs is essential, not only for families’ economic well-being but also to grow and propel a strong economy.

Some 290,000 households received the aid in June, up from 160,000 in May and 100,000 in April. Still, more than 11 million Americans, or 16% of U.S. renters, say they aren’t caught up with their housing payments as the eviction ban expiration date of July 31 looms.

Metro Phoenix had an eviction problem before the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents in Maricopa County were more than twice as likely to lose a home to eviction than the typical U.S. resident from 2014-2018. On July 31, the final eviction moratorium will expire, and evictions are expected to return to their pre-pandemic pace — if not exceed it.

Phoenix area evictions didn’t stop during the pandemic. Here’s why.

President Biden signed into law on March 11 the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package with nearly $50 billion in essential housing and homelessness assistance, including $27.4 billion for rental assistance and $5 billion to assist people experiencing homelessness.

Americans are struggling to pay for basic household expenses, like food, rent, and medical services, but with President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus plan, households across the country can expect to see relief.