NLIHC Recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 15, 2026
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month celebrates the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AANHPI individuals and communities across the United States. Recognition of these communities during the month of May began in the late 1970s. The origins of this observance can be traced to the advocacy of Jeanie Jew, a former Capitol Hill staffer, and Ruby Moy, chief of staff to Congressman Frank Horton of New York, who introduced the legislation.
In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a bill establishing the first week of May as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.” This recognition was expanded in 1990 when President George H. W. Bush designated the entire month of May for observance. Two years later, Congress passed legislation permanently recognizing the month-long celebration. In 2021, President Joe Biden officially expanded the designation to include Native Hawaiians, establishing it as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (TAAF).
The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) has announced the 2026 theme: “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.” This theme highlights the importance of collective strength, shared storytelling, and building meaningful connections across the AANHPI diaspora.
The AANHPI community is one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States. However, research on the housing challenges affecting this community has historically been limited and underrepresented. As research expands, data disaggregation within AANHPI communities is essential, as grouping all identities together can obscure the needs of subpopulations facing the most severe challenges.
Recent findings from the Urban Institute indicate that homelessness among AANHPI populations has increased at a faster rate than in the general population over the past decade. Additionally, AANHPI households are more likely to experience less visible forms of housing instability—such as overcrowding and doubling up—and may face cultural stigma and language barriers that limit access to support and resources. Such circumstances have negative reverberations for AANHPI communities, as the National Alliance to End Homelessness found that in 2023, 1 in 5 Asian American households was severely cost-burdened or paying at-least 50% of their income on rental costs.
As an organization dedicated to racially and socially just housing policy, NLIHC recognizes the vital role AANHPI communities play in advancing housing justice. Acknowledging and celebrating the importance of this community and their lived experiences can help improve research accountability and support equitable outcomes that strengthen our efforts to ensure people with the lowest incomes can access safe, affordable homes in communities of their choice.
Read “Understanding Homelessness and Housing Instability Among AANHPI Populations,” a mixed-methods study from Urban Institute.
Learn more about AANHPI Heritage Month and resources here.