During his February 6 State of the District Address, Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray announced a commitment of $100 million to produce and preserve 10,000 units of affordable housing in addition to existing or planned projects. The mayor’s address provided little detail on how the funds would be targeted, but the promise received the longest standing ovation of the event as he declared that investing in the city’s most vulnerable residents, including those who are homeless or have disabilities, means preserving and expanding affordable housing. The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED), an NLIHC state coalition partner, has actively fought for more affordable housing in the District of Columbia through its Housing for All campaign. It urged the city to increase annual funding levels for affordable housing by at least $255 million. CNHED believes Mayor Gray’s commitment is progress toward reaching that goal, and it will continue to press lawmakers to invest additional resources to meet the District’s diverse housing needs. Specifically, it has urged lawmakers to fully fund the continuum of housing including assisted rental housing assistance for families purchasing their own homes, and funds for tenants preserving their apartment buildings.CNHED held a January 29 rally focused on committing more resources to affordable housing programs, bringing together a diverse group of residents and political leaders. Speaking to the more than 350 attendees, Mayor Gray promised he would have a big announcement related to affordable housing in the following days. He also praised the Local Rent Supplement Program and Housing Production Trust Fund (HPTF), both successful programs that housing advocates would like to see expanded. At nearly 7,000 adults and children, the District’s homeless population is growing, according to CNHED. Of those with homes, one in five households pay more than half of its income toward housing, including 7,000 seniors. Some advocates are concerned that Mayor Gray’s plan to create or preserve units will lack the subsidy needed to help the poorest residents obtain and afford a home. In a Washington City Paper article, CNHED Executive Director Bob Pohlman was hopeful that the administration will make an ongoing investment in housing. “Ten thousand units is a great goal, but the $100 million is the first-year installment in paying for that,” Pohlman said. “We’re looking for a multi-year commitment at that level to get to 10,000 units.”Advocates are concerned that the lack of affordable housing is leading to growth in the homeless population. D.C. General, a converted hospital serving as the city’s shelter for homeless families, is over capacity with nearly 372 adults and 600 children housed there. According to The Washington Post, D.C. Council Member Jim Graham wants the city to use some of its $417 million budget surplus to aid residents with the greatest need. However, the Gray administration reports the surplus must be put toward reserve funds, meaning it cannot be used for housing vouchers or homeless services.CNHED is working with its allies to ensure that the $100 million will target those with the greatest housing need by expanding the HPTF. “It’s great to see Mayor Gray make this commitment to funding affordable housing,” said Elizabeth Falcon, CNHED’s campaign organizer. “This is a priority issue for the tens of thousands of District residents who struggle with a lack of housing stability, and for all of us who want to make sure they share in the city’s prosperity. This investment will start to restore housing programs hurt in the recession; hopefully, it is a sign of future investment, as well.”For more information, contact Elizabeth Falcon at [email protected].