Ten million low-income families are in dire need of housing assistance from the federal government. Unfortunately, according to HUD Secretary Julian Castro, currently there is not enough funding to reach this necessary goal. In a report, aptly titled "Out of Reach", Castro states:
"Our nation can’t fulfill any of our major goals — whether it’s tackling inequality, improving health care, keeping neighborhoods safe, or making sure every child gets a good education — unless we also focus on housing.'
The situation is so dire that in no place in America exists where a full-time worker making the average minimum wage can afford rent on a basic two bedroom apartment unless they work 112 hours per week!
This emergency affects senior citizens on fixed incomes as well. Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition says the federal government has the resources to subsidize affordable housing but the available funds are not allocated properly. She suggests instead of subsidizing mortgages for higher income people, that investment needs to be redirected to build housing for those most in need.
Please ask Congress to increase the funding to allow for more affordable housing for low-income Americans!
ATTN: COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET: U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
I am are alarmed to learn that funding for affordable housing is so inadequate that at least 10 million American's are unable to afford rent for a basic two bedroom apartment without working 112 hours per week! I strongly urge you to do everything on your power to address this crisis, including boosting funds available to support affordable housing options for low income Americans.
Diane Yentel, president and CEO of NLIHC has a solution that will reallocate funds already available to the building of affordable housing. She suggests instead of subsidizing mortgages for higher income people, that investment needs to be redirected to build housing for those most in need.
[Your comments]
Please take whatever steps necessary to correct this disgraceful national emergency.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
