Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) introduced the “Homes for Young Adults Act of 2024” (H.R.8722) in the U.S. House of Representatives on June 12. The NLIHC-endorsed legislation would reduce homelessness and housing instability among young people by creating an entitlement program for Housing Choice Vouchers for young adults who are unstably housed or experiencing homelessness.
Over 4.2 million young people in America experience homelessness each year, a disproportionate number of whom are people of color and/or LGBTQI+ individuals. While Housing Choice Vouchers are the largest federal housing assistance program, only one in four eligible Americans in fact receives that assistance.
“It’s clear the current housing voucher system is not meeting the need,” said Rep. Watson Coleman in a press release. “Nobody should be forced to suffer the trauma of homelessness or the tumult of unstable housing, least of all our young people. This bill marks the first step towards closing the gap between housing assistance eligibility and access.”
Specifically, the Homes for Young Adults Act would:
- Provide assistance under Section 8(o) of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 to each eligible individual and cover administrative fees associated with each voucher issued, with a focus on the choice of the voucher holder.
- Broaden the definition of young adults to encompass individuals who are single or parenting between the ages of 18 to 30, respectively, as well as those transitioning out of foster care or other youth-oriented systems and unaccompanied minors, as defined by relevant state regulations.
- Set up a provision for an Ombudsman to facilitate mediation between a landlord and tenant should discriminatory issues arise.
Read the press release statement at: https://tinyurl.com/mryb84ws
Read the bill text at: https://tinyurl.com/bdh4deac