What Solves Homelessness?
Improving Access to Affordable Housing
Housing is the common denominator that every person needs to end their homelessness. When people cannot afford the rising cost of rent, they are at higher risk of losing their homes. Solving homelessness means not just creating more affordable housing but also expanding programs that help people access it. Whether through building new housing units, increasing voucher availability, or breaking down the barriers to equitable access to housing, we can create sustainable paths out of homelessness.
The Challenges to Affordable Housing Access
With millions struggling to afford rent, it’s important to understand the current barriers to affordable housing. From zoning laws to underfunded programs, these challenges make it difficult for people to stay in stable homes.
million
Extremely low-income renters face a shortage of 7.1 million affordable and available rental homes.
Only 35 affordable rental homes are available for every 100 extremely low-income renters.
%
of extremely low-income renters are cost-burdened.
3/4
3 out of 4 households eligible for federal housing assistance do not receive it due to lack of program funding
Policy Solutions to Address the Affordable Housing Crisis
Federal, state, and local governments have a critical role in addressing the nation’s affordable housing crisis. Learn about the policies that could stem the flow of people into homelessness by ensuring that people can stay stably housed.
Federal rental assistance programs are urgently overdue for expanded funding. Providing universal access to rental assistance for eligible households could ensure that all low-income households have a safe, affordable place to live.
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 Similarly, the nation’s social housing infrastructure is limited and outdated, and in need of innovative options to expand to the nation’s growing need.
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 Housing Gap Through Policy and Action
Affordable housing isn’t just about more units. It’s about smart policy, supportive services, and community partnerships that give people the stability they need to thrive. Some of the priorities that the Alliance advocates for include:
Advocating to Congress
All year long, the Alliance works to educate members of Congress about the impact of homelessness services in their communities, and the need to fund housing assistance programs that keep people in their homes. Learn more about our congressional advocacy here
Expanding Rental Assistance
The Alliance is committed to expanding the availability of federal, state, and local rental assistance programs to ensure all eligible households can obtain and sustain housing that is affordable.
Expanding Affordable Housing
We work with communities and elected officials to increase the availability of affordable housing units that are both accessible and climate-resilient for renters at the lowest income levels.
Fair Housing Enforcement
Strong fair housing protections ensure that marginalized groups are not discriminated against in the housing market, and that they have access to affordable homes.
Protections for Rural Tribal Communities
Expanding the availability and flexibility of housing resources in rural and tribal communities will help our communities serve overlooked communities so people can thrive on their own terms.
Leveraging Collective Power
The Alliance participates in numerous coalitions and working groups that bring together national leaders and organizations to best leverage their leadership, influence, insight, and advocacy for the investments that will meaningfully address the nation’s affordable housing crisis. Some of these groups include the Opportunity Starts at Home campaign, the National Coalition for Housing Justice, and the Framework for an Equitable Homeless Response.
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