Now in its 18th day, the partial government shutdown, which includes the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is already having an impact on the low-income families served by public and affordable housing. The ongoing uncertainty imposes challenges for resource allocation and, if the shutdown drags on, the lack of HCV and Operating Fund payments will lead to housing instability for millions of families.
Today, CLPHA joined with 70 affordable housing leaders through the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF) to demand Congress and the Administration end the shutdown and pass full-year spending bills that provide strong funding for affordable housing.
CLPHA contributed to the joint letter to House and Senate Leadership by providing additional talking points about the immediate and long-term impacts of the shutdown on the Public Housing Capital Fund, the Public Housing Operating Fund, and the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
CLPHA members are encouraged to use these talking points, and any specific local examples that you have, in conversations with stakeholders and the media.
In a joint press release, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman said:
“The partial government shutdown is a disaster for the millions of low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities who depend on HUD assistance for safe, stable housing. Funding uncertainty puts more than 2 million voucher households at risk of losing their homes, and a lack of Operating Fund payments will force public housing authorities to shut units that cannot be repaired or properly maintained.”
CLPHA will continue our advocacy in support of PHAs and will provide members with additional news about the shutdown as we learn it.
Contact Legislative Director Gerard Holder with questions at gholder@clpha.org.