By Lindsay Duvall, NLIHC Member Engagement Manager
Members of the House and Senate left their offices on Capitol Hill to return to their home states and districts until September 2, a period known as “August recess.” August recess is a great time for advocates to take action on federal affordable housing and homelessness priorities, including fighting for needed investments in HUD’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill.
Take Action
August recess is a great time to share with your federal elected officials the important work being done with HUD funding, and to highlight the need for increased investments to ensure the continuation of vital programs and services. Keep the pressure on your representatives by contacting your members of Congress and urging them to protect and expand investments in vital affordable housing and homelessness programs!
- Contact your members of Congress
- Set up an in-district meeting or invite them to tour your programs to see firsthand how HUD funding is positively impacting your community.
- Access NLIHC’s advocacy toolkit, “Opposing Cuts to Federal Investments in Affordable Housing” for talking points, advocacy materials, media templates, and more.
Congress needs to hear from you why these vital resources are needed in FY26 in order for individuals and communities to thrive, including NLIHC’s priorities:
- At least $35.65 billion to renew all existing TBRA contracts, plus urgently needed funding to ensure the 59,000 households who rely on an EHV to keep a roof over their heads do not lose their assistance.
- $5.7 billion for public housing operations, and at least $5 billion to address public housing capital needs.
- $4.922 billion for HUD’s Homeless Assistance Grants (HAG) program.
- $15 million for the Eviction Protection Grant Program (EPGP), as provided in the Senate’s spending bill.
- At least $1.3 billion for HUD’s Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program and $150 million for IHBG-C funds targeted to Tribes with the greatest needs.
National, state, local, Tribal, and territorial organizations can also join over 2,700 organizations on CHCDF’s national letter calling on Congress to support the highest level of funding possible for affordable housing, homelessness, and community development resources in FY26.
Visit NLIHC’s Advocacy Hub for more information and resources that can help you take action and help protect the affordable housing programs people rely on.