Week of Action Planned to Call for More Investments in Affordable Housing and Community Development

Washington, D.C. –- (RealEstateRama) — The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), together with state, local, and national partners, is leading a national week of action called Our Homes, Our Voices across the country calling for increased federal investments in affordable housing and community development. The coordinated series of events and activities, from July 22 to July 29, will take place 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. But rather than increasing investments in affordable housing and homelessness solutions, President Trump has proposed cutting them by more than $7 billion in FY18.

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 Mr. 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. Activities range from rallies and press events to call-in campaigns and meetings with congressional delegates.

NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel, who serves on the planning committee for the week of action, says, “It is essential that we raise our voices in support of our homes and communities. Increasing access to affordable homes – especially in areas connected to good schools, well-paying jobs, healthcare, and transportation – helps families climb the economic ladder and leads to greater economic and community development. We will work alongside our national and local partners to not only stop the devastating cuts to housing investments proposed by the Trump Administration, but to ensure that everyone – especially those with the lowest incomes – has an affordable place to call home.”

To learn about the events happening during the week of action, visit: www.ourhomes-ourvoices.org/local-events

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Established in 1974 by Cushing N. Dolbeare, the National Low Income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to achieving socially just public policy that assures people with the lowest incomes in the United States have affordable and decent homes.

PRESS CONTACT
Renee Willis
Vice President for Field & Communications
(202) 662-1530 x247