By Alayna Calabro, NLIHC Senior Policy Analyst
Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Grace Meng (D-NY) reintroduced the “Housing is a Human Right Act” (H.R.4457) on July 16. The NLIHC-endorsed bill would provide more than $300 billion for essential affordable and accessible housing infrastructure to reduce homelessness. The bill would invest more than $200 billion in affordable housing and support services, $27 billion annually in homelessness services, and $100 million annually in community-driven alternatives to criminalization of people experiencing homelessness. The bill would also make targeted investments in communities whose members experience a disproportionate risk of homelessness.
“Homelessness is not a personal failure, it’s a policy failure,” said Representative Jayapal in a press release announcing the bill. “As rents skyrocket across the country and homeownership is out of reach for millions of Americans, we can and must invest in proven solutions to build more affordable housing. Housing is a human right—and every person deserves to have a safe place to call home.”
“Housing is a human right, and no one should be without a safe, stable place to call home,” said Representative Meng. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce this landmark legislation, which dedicates billions of dollars toward ending homelessness nationwide. This bill tackles the root causes by funding affordable housing, expanding supportive services, and investing in communities that face the greatest risk. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place to belong.”
Learn more about the Housing is a Human Right Act here.