• Nationwide, 76% of renters with incomes below 30% of area median pay more than half of their income toward housing.  There is a shortage of 7 million affordable and available rental homes for these extremely low income households.  Additionally, one-third of low-income families with children, with incomes below 80% of area median, pay more than half of their income towards rent. Homelessness is increasing across the country, leaving more children homeless.  In no state can an individual working full-time, year-round at the minimum wage afford a modest two-bedroom rental unit for his or her family.  Since 1995, the nation has lost more than 500,000 federally subsidized housing units; today the U.S. is producing very few new units or rental assistance vouchers to address the still growing housing needs of the lowest income households.  Research demonstrates that when people have a safe and affordable place to live, many of the other problems (such as unemployment, health care, mental health, and food assistance) demanding government services are lessened.  Helping people pay rent is particularly effective at improving the economy and creating jobs.

  For more information on this issue, visit CHN’s Public Policy Priorities, 2013-2014.

  Also Visit

  Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

  For more information on Housing and Homelessness issues, visit the links below.

  Introduction to the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program
  Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Homelessness Page
  Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homelessness Page
  Homeless Legislation and Policy
  Facts About Homelessness

  Advocacy Organizations

  Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
  Center for Economic and Policy Research
  Housing Assistance Council
  National Alliance to End Homelessness
  National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
  National Center on Family Homelessness
  National Coalition for the Homeless
  National Fair Housing Alliance
  National Health Care for the Homeless Council
  National Housing Trust
  National Housing Trust Fund Campaign
  National Low Income Housing Coalition
  National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty

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