Urgent: We Need Your Voice to Help Secure Critical Housing and Homelessness Resources in FY25!
Dear Supporters,
As you may know, Congress is at a crucial crossroads, and we need your help to ensure that essential funding for affordable housing and homelessness programs is included in the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) spending bill. With the current continuing resolution (CR) extending federal government funding until December 20, we have a limited window to advocate for increased support for programs that are vital to our communities.
Affordable housing is a fundamental right, and we cannot allow budget cuts to threaten the stability and well-being of millions of families. Housing programs, such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and HUD’s Homeless Assistance Grants (HAG), are at risk. As the cost of housing rises every year, it is critical that Congress increases funding just to maintain the current levels of assistance—and even more is needed to expand support to the growing number of families in need.
What’s at Stake?
• The House’s proposed budget for FY25 would cut HUD’s funding by 3%, which would significantly impact the availability of housing vouchers and other vital services.
• The Senate’s proposal, on the other hand, would provide a 10% increase to HUD programs, which includes funding to renew all existing housing voucher contracts and expand assistance to 20,000 more households.
• Without sufficient funding, tens of thousands of families could lose access to the assistance that keeps them housed and off the streets. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
How You Can Help
We need your voice to ensure that Congress finalizes a spending bill that protects and increases resources for affordable housing and homelessness programs. Here are a few simple actions you can take to make a big difference:
1. Email or Call Your Members of Congress
Reach out to your senators and representatives to let them know how important these programs are to you, your family, and your community. You can use this link to find your member offices and send an email or make a quick call. Every message counts!
2. Share Personal Stories
If you or someone you know has been directly impacted by housing instability, share your story. Storytelling is a powerful tool that helps lawmakers understand the real-life impact of their decisions. Use NLIHC’s resources to learn how to craft compelling stories that connect emotionally and advocate effectively.
3. Utilize Advocacy Toolkits
NLIHC’s “Oppose Dramatic Cuts to Federal Investments in Affordable Housing” toolkit is full of resources, talking points, and advocacy ideas. Use these materials to prepare for meetings with your representatives or to share with others in your community who want to take action.
4. Join the Collective Advocacy
Join the over 2,300 national, state, and local organizations that have signed onto a letter urging Congress to support the highest level of funding possible for affordable housing and homelessness resources in FY25. Add your voice to the movement!
What We’re Fighting For
We’re advocating for:
• Full funding to renew all existing Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program contracts and expand assistance to an additional 20,000 households.
• $6.2 billion for public housing operations and $5.2 billion for public housing capital needs.
• $4.7 billion for HUD’s Homeless Assistance Grants (HAG) program.
• $100 million for the Eviction Protection Grant Program.
• $1.3 billion for Tribal housing programs, plus $150 million for tribes with the greatest needs.
Why This Matters
Inadequate funding for affordable housing and homelessness programs has devastating consequences. Long-term CRs and government shutdowns stall progress, and families are left vulnerable. We can’t afford to let this happen. Now, more than ever, Congress needs to hear from advocates like you.
Together, we can urge Congress to pass a final spending bill that increases funding for these vital programs and helps ensure that more families receive the housing support they need to thrive. Please take action before December 20!
Thank you for your continued support in the fight for affordable housing and homelessness prevention.
In solidarity,
Katerina Canyon
Peace Economy Project
Take Action Now: Contact Congress Tool
