This plan proposes $150 billion in decades-overdue affordable housing investments. This includes increased funding to dramatically boost the Housing Choice Voucher program and the Housing Trust Fund, as well as funds to improve public housing in the United States.
“These investments could not have come at a more critical time,” said Nan Roman, President & CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “Homelessness in this nation has been on the rise since 2016, with more than 580,000 people experiencing homelessness on a given night. We know that the single biggest driver of homelessness is the lack of housing. These funds could end homelessness for tens of thousands of people and prevent thousands more from becoming homeless.”
An additional investment that will help end the tragedy of homelessness is $150 billion for Home and Community-Based Services. These services can help older adults and people with serious disabilities who have experienced homelessness, but who now have access to housing, to stay in that home and connected to their community. The extension of the refundable Child Tax Credit will also provide those eligible families experiencing homelessness with much needed income.
Roman expressed deep gratitude to housing and homelessness advocates who ensured these investments would remain a priority through the Build Back Better Act negotiations.
“It is clear that people across the country are feeling the pain from the nation’s affordable housing crisis, and they expect our leaders to address it,” she said. “The Alliance thanks members of Congress for listening to their voices and responding with urgency and leadership. We are hopeful that these resources will be available as soon as possible to the people who need them most.”