CA U.S. House District 33 issued the following announcement on Feb. 25.
Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA) announced the introduction of the House companion bill to Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-CA) Housing for All Act of 2022, comprehensive legislation that would invest in proven solutions to address critical affordable housing shortages in California and across the country. The bill would also provide a surge of funding for strategic, existing programs to reduce homelessness as well as invest in innovative, locally-developed solutions to help those experiencing homelessness.
The National Low-Income Housing Coalition estimates that the United States has a shortage of 6.8 million affordable homes available to low-income renters. In California, more than 1.4 million units are needed to address the affordable housing shortage, and more than 161,000 people experience homelessness in the state each night – including families with young children, veterans, and victims of domestic violence. Prior to the pandemic, one in four renters spent half of their monthly income on rent, and nearly one million tenants were evicted each year.
“Homelessness remains a persistent and difficult problem in Los Angeles and in communities around the country,” said Rep. Lieu. “The pandemic only worsened the economic and societal factors that contribute to homelessness, which is why it is so important that we address this issue head-on now. Homelessness is a complicated challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach. I’m pleased to be Senator Padilla’s partner on this comprehensive legislation to address the affordable housing shortage and support proven, community-driven solutions to homelessness.”
“Every person has a right to the dignity and security of housing,” said Senator Padilla. “As we continue to face historic affordable housing and homelessness crises, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s going to take all levels of government working together to rebuild a more inclusive and equitable society for all. This legislation is an opportunity to invest and align resources in expanding affordable housing and strengthening proven solutions,” said Senator Padilla. “Affordable housing is essential infrastructure, and that’s why I am proud to introduce the Housing for All Act of 2022 to ensure that every person has a place to call home.”
“I'm proud to join Representative Ted Lieu in introducing the Housing for All Act which includes my Naomi Schwartz Safe Parking Program Act. This comprehensive legislative package will help us address the core issues of homelessness and affordable housing in California and across the nation," said Rep. Carbajal. “I will continue to work with my House colleagues and Senator Alex Padilla who is championing this legislation in the U.S. Senate, to ensure every American has a roof over their head."
The Housing for All Act of 2022 would invest in proven solutions by:
- Addressing the affordable housing shortage by investing in the National Housing Trust Fund, the HOME Investment Partnerships program, the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, and the Section 811 Supportive Housing for People with Disabilities.
- Addressing the homelessness crisis by investing in Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Rental Assistance, the emergency solutions grant program (which helps with street outreach, rapid re-housing assistance, emergency shelter, and homelessness prevention), and Continuums of Care.
- Supporting innovative, locally developed approaches to these crises by investing in hotel and motel conversions to permanent supportive housing with supportive services; investing in the Eviction Protection Grant Program; investing in mobile crisis intervention teams to help those with medical or psychological needs avoid the criminal justice system; investing in libraries that support people experiencing homelessness; investing in programs that offer a safe place to park overnight and facilitate access to rehousing services and essential services; and investing in inclusive, transit-oriented development and infill development.
Since he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Lieu has acted with urgency to confront the homelessness and housing crises. Congressman Lieu introduced the Fighting Homelessness Through Services and Housing Act, a bill to increase federal resources to help address the root causes of homelessness. He also introduced the Prevent Evictions Act to help families stay in their homes and the Prevent Homelessness Act to help Americans most at-risk of homelessness. As a veteran, one of Rep. Lieu’s top priorities has been to combat veteran homelessness and ensure our nation’s heroes get the care and support they deserve. He partnered with Senator Dianne Feinstein on the West Los Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act, signed into law last year, to help the VA address veteran homelessness in LA County. Congressman Lieu was also an avid supporter of COVID-19 relief legislation, including the American Rescue Plan, which provided over $667 million for local affordable housing programs and projects across California.
Original source can be found here.
Source: CA U.S. House District 33
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