NLIHC, together with state, local, and national partners, has expanded the Our Homes, Our Voices campaign this summer to include a week of activities across the country calling for increased federal investments in affordable housing and community development. The week of action, from July 22- July 29, will include coordinated activities in more than 20 cities.
There is a dire shortage of homes low income families and individuals can afford in every community in America. Far too many households – including seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, low-wage workers, and families with children – struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Federal investments in affordable housing to assist these households fall far short of the need. Three out of four families who qualify for federal housing assistance are turned away due to lack of funding. As a result, millions of families are forced to spend so much on rent that they lack sufficient resources for food, healthcare, and other basic necessities. And half a million individuals, including children, are homeless on any given night.
Our Homes, Our Voices national week of action will call for increased investments in affordable housing and community development and a rejection of the devastating funding cuts proposed in President Trump’s FY18 budget request and imposed by unrealistic Budget Control Act spending caps. Advocates are planning activities across the country to engage members of Congress, local elected officials, and the public to increase their awareness of the critical need for more affordable housing and community development resources and to demand action. There are currently events planned in 19 locations, and more are being added in the coming days. Activities range from rallies, press events, and meetings with congressional delegations to letter writing and call-in campaigns. Advocates in Des Moines, IA, for example, will host a bus tour of federally funded housing developments, and groups in Austin, TX have planned a press conference on the steps of City Hall to kick of their week of action. To learn about the events happening in your community, visit www.ourhomes-ourvoices.org/local-events.
It’s not too late to join Our Homes, Our Voices. NLIHC is developing new tools and visuals to assist your efforts. We look forward to helping you plan your event. Email [email protected] with any questions or to get involved.