Dear Supporters,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>, we have a limited window to advocate for increased support for programs that are vital to our communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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\u2014and even more is needed to expand support to the growing number of families in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s at Stake?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 The House\u2019s proposed budget<\/strong> for FY25<\/a> would cut HUD\u2019s funding by 3%, which would significantly impact the availability of housing vouchers and other vital services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 The Senate\u2019s proposal<\/strong><\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 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\u2019t be higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How You Can Help<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Email or Call Your Members of Congress<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong><\/a> to find your member offices and send an email or make a quick call. Every message counts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Share Personal Stories<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s resources<\/a> to learn how to craft compelling stories that connect emotionally and advocate effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Utilize Advocacy Toolkits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n NLIHC\u2019s \u201cOppose Dramatic Cuts to Federal Investments in Affordable Housing\u201d toolkit<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Join the Collective Advocacy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Join the over 2,300 national, state, and local organizations<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n