Congresswoman Barbara Lee Seeks Funding to Strengthen Affordable Housing Programs, Combat Homelessness
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced a set of amendments to the FY 2018 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. The amendments would increase federal funding for affordable housing programs to assist low-income families and support the fight to end homelessness.
Congresswoman Lee introduced two amendments that would invest millions in funding toward preserving affordable housing programs. To bolster the HOME Investment Program, Congresswoman Lee fought for a $350 million increase to the program which helps homeowners, renters, and tenants do much needed repairs, construct affordable homes, and support housing for the homeless and people living with disabilities. Additionally, Congresswoman Lee sought $140 million in federal funding to assist Public Housing Authorities across the nation with administration of housing vouchers on a timely basis.
“Housing is a human right. Every American deserves access to safe and affordable housing. Withdrawing funding from programs like HOME while underfunding Public Housing Authorities devastates millions of low-income families struggling to make ends meet,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “As American families continue to seek affordable housing, Congress should be assisting them, not constructing new barriers to their success.”
With more than half a million Americans experiencing homelessness including more than 118,000 Californians, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced an amendment to restore funding for the US Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), which has worked tirelessly with federal, state and local officials to produce a coordinated strategy to end homelessness in the United States.
“Homelessness is a complex and multi-faceted issue that demands a comprehensive federal strategy to aid those in need. The Council is the only agency whose stated mission is to end homelessness once and for all,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “We simply cannot afford to shudder an agency that is critical in the fight to ensure that every American has a roof over their heads.
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