Message on the Increased Federal Resources for Affordable & Public Housing

For the first time in decades, Congress has significantly increased the federal resources available for affordable and public housing, recognizing the critical role that housing plays in our lives, our communities, and our economy.

For the first time in decades, Congress has significantly increased the federal resources available for affordable and public housing.

Housing is a basic human necessity and yet, for a growing number of Americans, access to a safe, affordable home is out of reach. The affordable housing crisis is a genuine and growing threat to the security, stability, and opportunity that home represents, and is one that we can no longer afford to overlook.

For the first time in decades, Congress has significantly increased the federal resources available for affordable and public housing, recognizing the critical role that housing plays in our lives, our communities, and our economy. This funding package represents additional resources for the many programs — Community Development Block Grants, the HOME Investment Partnership Program, Section 8, and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit — that make possible the safe, stable affordable housing that is proven to improve health and educational outcomes for families and provide economic benefits to communities.

This watershed moment also represents a welcome change in the federal government’s approach to the public housing capital fund. With a more than 40% increase, this move will help public housing more aggressively address critical level of repair needs, at over $17 billion in New York City alone. Public housing residents deserve decent housing and the government must address those needs; this bill is a move in the right direction.

We applaud our partners across the country, and the New York Congressional delegation for their steadfast and vigorous advocacy to defend and indeed expand the resources available for public and affordable housing on behalf of veterans, seniors, families with children, and the most vulnerable Americans who need and deserve the opportunity that safe, quality affordable housing provides. The fight is far from over, and we will continue to push for the increased resources and sound policies that will help ensure a decent standard of living for all Americans.

— Shola Olatoye, NYCHA Chair, Maria Torres-Springer, HPD Commissioner and Eric Enderlin, HDC President