Making Housing More Affordable: A Key to Ending Homelessness
Housing is the foundation for ending homelessness, but for a growing number of Americans, housing that is affordable is simply out of reach. By increasing the supply of affordable housing and assisting people with income supports and assistance to pay rent, we can reduce the number of people becoming homeless and help those who are homeless find stable homes faster.
Expanding Federal Rental Assistance
The federal government’s housing voucher programs play an essential role in helping low-income households afford modest rental homes. But chronic underfunding leaves countless eligible people on their own and at risk of homelessness. To stem the overwhelming flow of people losing their housing, we must scale up federal rental assistance programs.
Increasing the Availability of Affordable Housing Units
Zoning reforms and tax incentives are critical for encouraging the construction of affordable housing in high-demand areas. Similarly, the nation’s social housing infrastructure is limited and outdated, and in need of innovative options to expand housing options.
Increasing Renter Protections for Marginalized Groups
Stronger tenant protections and enforcement are needed to ensure that low-income families — particularly members of marginalized communities — can remain stably housed without fear of eviction.
Closing the Gap Between Rents and Incomes
Income-based strategies can help close the gap between what people earn and the cost of rent for low-income households.
Combatting NIMBYism: The Fight for Affordable Housing
NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) prevents the construction of affordable housing in high-opportunity areas. Anti-NIMBY legislation is needed to reduce legal barriers and push back against opposition that limits housing options for low-income households.
Decommodification of Housing
Decommodification focuses on treating housing as a basic right, not a commodity. From rent control to investments in social housing, decommodification strategies aim to create stable, long-term housing options for low- and middle-income households.
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