The Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF) released a statement following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address urging him and Congress to include federal investments for affordable rental homes in any upcoming infrastructure plan. The president unveiled his infrastructure proposal during the address but missed the opportunity to address affordable housing for people with the lowest incomes, one of the greatest barriers to America’s economic growth. CHCDF’s report A Place to Call Home found that “investing in affordable housing infrastructure – including resources targeted to production, preservation, and rental assistance – bolsters productivity and economic growth, supports local job creation and increased incomes, and creates inclusive communities.” The president’s proposed investments in transportation and infrastructure will fall short without increased access to affordable rental housing.
“The connection between affordable rental homes and infrastructure is clear: like roads and bridges, affordable homes are a long-term asset that helps communities and the lowest income families thrive. Targeted rental housing investments should be included in any infrastructure package,” stated Diane Yentel, president and CEO of NLIHC.
“Housing is fundamental to our national infrastructure and must be part of any infrastructure plan. Opportunity for Americans begins with affordable, well-designed homes in thriving communities – a must to promote equitable outcomes for working families and reach our full potential as a nation,” said Terri Ludwig, president and CEO of Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.
“Affordable housing investment is an essential piece of our country’s infrastructure strategy. When communities don’t have adequate affordable housing for their workforce, families suffer. Investment in affordable housing improves economic growth, promotes economic mobility and supports job creation and increased incomes. Any infrastructure package needs to include a robust affordable housing component to allow for increased economic impact,” stated Laura DeMaria, executive director of the National Association for County Community and Economic Development.
“Our communities are woven together by the homes within them. Any infrastructure plan would be incomplete without funding to expand the supply of homes affordable to low income people, including the millions of older adults forced to choose today between paying for medicine, rent, and food because of the lack of affordable homes,” stated Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge.
“The philanthropic community is and will continue to engage with public partners to invest in safe, accessible, and affordable housing in communities around the country. Philanthropy recognizes and understands the critical need to invest in affordable housing infrastructure, but cannot fill this need alone. In order to move individuals and families out of homelessness and into housing, it is imperative that robust public funds are available for private dollars to leverage,” said Amanda Andere, CEO of Funders Together to End Homelessness.
“Any national infrastructure plan should include an investment in preserving and improving safe, affordable housing, which is fundamental to helping families thrive and access opportunity,” said Ellen Lurie Hoffman, federal policy director of the National Housing Trust. “A federal commitment to affordable housing is essential to leverage private investment, ensuring that Americans can access rental housing that is affordable and sustainable over time.”
Read CHCDF’s full statement on Mr. Trump’s State of the Union Address at: http://bit.ly/2s4GqKv