October 20, 2014 The Honorable Barbara Mikulski The ... · 727 15th St., NW, 11th Floor Washington, DC 20005 October 24, 2014 Phone: 202.347.0333 Fax: 202.347.3411 OFFICERS

October 20, 2014

The Honorable Barbara Mikulski The Honorable Richard Shelby

Chairman Vice Chairman

Senate Appropriations Committee Senate Appropriations Committee

Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Harold Rodgers The Honorable Nita Lowey

Chairman Ranking Member

House Appropriations Committee House Appropriations Committee


Dear Chairman Mikulski, Vice Chairman Shelby, Chairman Rodgers and Ranking Member Lowey,

The undersigned organizations, non-profits, developers, advocates and agencies committed

to creating and maintaining the supply of supportive housing for the most vulnerable populations,

urge you to pass a full FY2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations

bill. We are concerned that a year long CR at FY2014 levels will undermine communities ability to

reduce and end homelessness for individuals and families.

Supportive housing is affordable rental housing combined with services to help stabilize

families and individuals and enable them to live independently while addressing their most pressing

needs. It is a proven cost-effective intervention that significantly reduces the use of emergency

shelters, hospitals, emergency rooms, jails and prisons.

HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), McKinney Vento Homelessness Assistance and

the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance for Persons with Disabilities programs are the main

resources used for creating and maintaining supportive housing. These programs allow local

communities and states to make decisions on how best to use resources to address the housing needs

to target populations with the highest needs.

Congress should pass a full FY2015 T-HUD Appropriations bill that provides enough

money to fully renew all existing vouchers and restore lost vouchers due to sequestration and include

an additional $301 million for the McKinney Vento Homelessness Assistance grants. Adequate

funding for both programs is critical for communities and states to continue to create more affordable

housing options for the most vulnerable populations and support critical economic development

initiatives. Continued investment in HUD’s programs is essential to ending homelessness for all

populations and providing affordable housing for those at-risk of becoming homeless.

Affordable housing serves as the platform to transform and improve the lives of the most

vulnerable populations. The NOC respectfully requests that Congress pass a full FY2015 T-HUD

Appropriations in order to expand supportive housing opportunities and programs across the country.

Sincerely,

Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)

CSH

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

National Coalition for the Homeless

National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

National Equity Fund (NEF)

Technical Assistance Collaboration (TAC)

Volunteers of America (VOA)

Adanta Behavioral Health Services, Community Mental Health Center-Somerset, KY

Advanced Housing, Inc.

Aeon-Minneapolis, MN

AIDS Connecticut

AIDS Foundation of Chicago-Chicago, IL

Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities

Arbor Housing and Development-Bath, NY

Bexar Management Development Corporation-San Antonio, TX

Boise/Ada County Homeless Coalition-Boise, ID

Broadway Area Community Development Corporation-Gary, IN

Cameron County Homeless Partnership-Brownsville, TX

California Coalition for Rural Housing-Sacramento, CA

Care for the Homeless- New York, NY

Center for Housing and Health-Chicago, IL

Central City Concern-Portland, OR

Central Kentucky Housing and Homeless Initiative-Lexington, KY

Charitable Assistance to Community’s Homeless-Boise, ID

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless-Chicago, IL

CLUSTER Community Services-Yonkers, NY

Coalition for the Homeless-Louisville, KY

Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO)-Columbus, OH

The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP)-Indianapolis, IN

Community Enrichment Center-North Richland Hills, TX

Community Housing of Maine

Community LINC-Kansas City, MO

Community Shelter Board-Columbus, OH

Concho Valley Homeless Planning Coalition- San Angelo, TX

Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness-Hartford, CT

Connecticut Housing Coalition-Wethersfield, CT

Crosspoint Human Services-Danville, IL

Dignity Health-Pasadena, CA

The Doe Fund-New York, NY

East Texas Human Needs Network-Tyler, TX

ECHO Housing Corporation-Evansville, IN

Ecker Center for Mental Health-Elgin, IL

Encore Community Services-New York, NY

Ending Community Homelessness Coalition-Austin, TX

Family & Children’s Association-Mineola, NY

Family Housing Fund-Minneapolis, MN

The Family Resource Center of Peekskill-Peekskill, NY

Family Service Society of Yonkers-Yonkers, NY

Housing Authority of Bexar County-San Antonio, TX

Housing California-Sacramento, CA

Grace Church Community Center, White Plains, NY

The Guidance Center of Westchester, Inc.-Mount Vernon, NY

Healthcare for the Homeless-Baltimore, MD

Healthcare for the Homeless, Inc.-Baltimore, MD

Horizon House-Indianapolis, IN

Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey

Housing Opportunities-Valparaiso & Michigan City, IN

Housing and Services, Inc.-New York, NY

Houston/Harris County CoC-Houston, TX

Homeless Planning Council of Delaware-Wilmington, DE

Housing Network of Rhode Island-Pawtucket, RI

Human Development Services of Westchester-Mamaroneck, NY

Human Resources Development Instituate-Chicago, IL

Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence-Indianapolis, IN

Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living-Springfield, IL

KARP, Inc.-Lexington, KY

Kim Wilson Housing-Kansas City, MO & Kansas City, KS

Lake County Minority Health Coalition-Gary, IN

Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center-Chicago, IL

Lexington Center for Recovery-Mount Kisco, CA

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government-Lexington, KY

Long Island Coalition for the Homeless-Amityville, NY

Lutheran Office of Government Ministry, NJ

Maine Center-Park Ridge, IL

Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless-Lynn, MA

Miami Coalition for the Homeless-Miami, FL

Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless-Montgomery, AL

Mental Health Association in New Jersey

Mental Health America of Vigo County-Terre Haute, IN

Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois-Springfield, IL

Metropolitan Community Churches-Locations throughout Texas

Metropolitan Family Services-Chicago, IL

Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness-Lansing, MI

Minnesota Housing Partnership-St. Paul, MN

Mississippi United to End Homelessness (Balance of State CoC)-Jackson, MS

Monarch Housing Associates

Nassau/Suffolk Continuum of Care Group-Long Island, NY

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)- Chicago Office-Chicago, IL

National Organization for Women, NJ Chapter

Nazareth Housing-New York, NY

New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness-Roseland, NJ

New Jersey Tenant Organization

New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness-Santa Fe, NM

New Reach-New Haven, CT

NJ Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc.

The North and Northwest Suburban Task Force on Supportive Housing for Individuals with Mental

Illness-Wheeling, IL

North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness-Raleigh, NC

Northwest Indiana Reinvestment Alliance-Hammond, IN

Northwest Pilot Project-Portland, OR

NSP Consultants-Hammond, IN

Open Doors Homeless Coalition-Gulfport, MS

Outside In-Portland, OR

Partnership for Strong Communities-Hartford, CT

Portland Housing Bureau-Portand, OR

Project for Pride in Living-Minneapolis, MN

Resources for Community Development-Berkeley, CA

reStart-Kansas City, MO

Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless-Pawtucket, RI

Rosecrance Health Network-Rockford, IL

RUPCO-Kingston, NY

Safe Horizon-New York, NY

Safe-T Crisis Center-Mount Pleasant, TX

Save Our Veterans-Indianapolis, IN

SEIU Healthcare Illinois & Indiana-Statewide in both states

Seven Counties Services-Louisville, KY

Skid Row Housing Trust-Los Angeles, CA

Sojourner Truth House-Gary, IN

Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless-Marion, IL

Spindletop Center PATH program-Beaumont, TX

Supportive Housing Providers Association-Springfield, IL

Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY)

Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation-San Francisco, CA

Testa Companies-Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Texas Homeless Network-Austin, TX

Texas Panhandle Centers, Behavioral & Developmental Health-Amarillo, TX

Threseholds-Chicago, IL

Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare-Chicago, IL

Trusted Mentors-Indianapolis, IN

United Caring Services-Evansville, IN

United Way of Greater Houston-Houston, TX

United Ways of Texas-Austin, TX

Urban Pathways-New York, NY

Victoria Area Homeless Coalition-Victoria, TX

Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness-Richmond, VA

Virginia Supportive Housing-Richmond, VA

Westhab-Westchester County, NY

727 15th St., NW, 11th Floor Washington, DC 20005

Phone: 202.347.0333 Fax: 202.347.3411

www.nationalaidshousing.org

OFFICERS

Kathie Hiers, President AIDS Alabama

Arturo Bendixen, V. Pres.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago

Shawn Lang, Secretary AIDS Connecticut

Charlie Frew, Treasurer

Jerusalem House

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cassandra Ackerman

Columbus, OH

Jeff Allen Ormond Beach, FL

Peggy Bailey

Corporation for Supportive Housing

Russell Bennett Collaborative Solutions

John Berliner Gregory House

Christine Campbell National Low Income Housing

Coalition

Jim Chud Los Angeles, CA

Sergio Farfan LA Latino Health Coalition for

HIV/AIDS Awareness

Ernest Hopkins San Francisco AIDS Foundation

Opal Jones

Doorways Interfaith

Charles King Housing Works

Don Maison, Esq. AIDS Services of Dallas

Chuck Peterson

Clare Housing

Gina Quattrochi, Esq. Bailey House

Nan Roman

National Alliance to End Homelessness

STAFF

Nancy Bernstine Executive Director

October 24, 2014 Honorable Harry Reid Majority Leader U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Reid, The National AIDS Housing Coalition (NAHC) is writing to encourage Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year (FY) FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill. NAHC is concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness. NAHC is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country. NAHC understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. However, we believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households. Underfunding HUD programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. The underfunding of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic inequality in the United States, and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans with the lowest incomes. It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the country. NAHC, with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization.

NAHC is a national nonprofit housing membership policy and advocacy organization representing HIV/AIDS housing and service providers, low income consumers of HIV/AIDS housing and those waiting for assistance. Housing is a proven HIV prevention and healthcare intervention. While the highly effective Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program (HOPWA) currently serves only about 52,000 households, HIV/AIDS housing providers project that half the 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS will need some form of housing assistance during the course of their illness. Passage of a full FY2015THUD Appropriations bill with funding levels that will support creation of more affordable housing options to serve vulnerable low income people including those coping with the debilitating and impoverishing impact of HIV/AIDS is critical. Sincerely,

Nancy Bernstine Executive Director

Public Housing Authorities Directors Association 511 Capitol Court, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4937

phone: 202-546-5445 fax: 202-546-2280 www.phada.org

October 22, 2014

Honorable Barbara Mikulski Honorable Richard Shelby

Chair Ranking Member

Senate Committee on Appropriations Senate Committee on Appropriations

U.S. Senate U.S. Senate


Honorable Harold Rogers Honorable Nita Lowey


House Committee on Appropriations House Committee on Appropriations

U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives


RE: Passage of full FY2015 THUD Appropriations bill

Dear Senators Mikulski and Shelby, Representatives Rogers and Lowey,

PHADA and it 1,900 housing-executive members strongly encourages Congress to pass a full

Fiscal Year 2015 THUD Appropriations bill. Our Association is concerned about the deep and

chronic cuts to public housing and voucher programs and the negative impact that underfunding

has on the more than the millions of low-income people we serve. As you know, public housing

agencies serve large populations of seniors, those with disabilities, and female-headed households

with children.

PHADA is also one of approximately 70 member organizations of the Campaign for Housing and

Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a broad coalition of national affordable housing

and community development groups. CHCDF includes private and public-sector housing

providers, financial intermediaries, as well as, civil rights, faith-based, and advocacy groups

intent on more robust funding for the HUD budget. These groups work to meet the needs of low-

and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country.

PHADA understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress.

However, we believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY2014

funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the existing housing

need, much less the growing rental housing needs of millions of waiting low-income

households. Underfunding HUD programs undermines communities’ ability to help low-

income seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children live in safe, stable,

affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing

programs at FY2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given

increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. The underfunding

of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic

2

inequality in the United States, and expressions by members of both parties of a

commitment to address poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most

targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans with the lowest incomes.

It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing programs have in

supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the

country. PHADA, and the many other CHCDF member organizations, urges Congress to pass a

full FY2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable

communities to continue to preserve essential housing resources in thousands of communities,

large and small, across the nation. Public housing is a durable, cost-effective program that has

successfully served millions of American families in need for 77 years. Public housing proves its

worth to every generation but it needs to be adequately funded to serve both current and future

generations of families in need of safe, decent housing.

Sincerely,

Timothy G. Kaiser

Executive Director

On behalf of LeadingAge, a community of 6,000+ not-for-profit organizations representing the entire field of aging services, I am writing to strongly encourage Congress to pass a full fiscal year 2015 THUD appropriations bill. While I understand the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress, a long-term or year-long continuing resolution will not adequately address the rapidly growing need for affordable senior housing. The proposed THUD appropriations would better fund the HUD Housing for the Elderly (Section 202) program. While the bill will not fund any new senior housing, it will prevent harmful cuts to a program that provides supportive housing for more than 300,000 very low-income older Americans. Additionally, the Senate version of the bill supports an expansive housing with services demonstration program, which is vital to the future of senior housing in America. The bill would also increase support for the Tennant-Based Rental Assistance (Section 8) and Housing for Persons with Disabilities (Section 811) programs. These programs offer crucial assistance to seniors in need, but are severely underfunded and unable to keep pace with rising demand. As a LeadingAge member, I am also submitting this request on behalf of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding, a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. Together we believe that continuing to underfund HUD programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing that enhances their communities. In closing, I trust that Congress understands the important role that senior housing programs have in improving the lives of older Americans and supporting local communities. I hope I can count on your leadership in working to pass a full fiscal year 2015 THUD appropriations bill when Congress returns in November. Sincerely,

Alayna Waldrum, Esq. Housing Legislative Representative LeadingAge

LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION 1825 K Street, N.W., Suite 1100 � Washington, DC � Phone 202.785.2908 � Fax 202-785-4850

www.lisc.org

October 23, 2014 The Honorable Barbara Mikulski Chair Committee on Appropriations U.S. Senate The Honorable Patty Murray Chair Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies U.S. Senate The Honorable Harold Rogers Chair Committee on Appropriations U.S. House of Representatives The Honorable Tom Latham Chair Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies U.S. House of Representatives

The Honorable Richard Shelby Vice Chair Committee on Appropriations U.S. Senate The Honorable Susan Collins Ranking Member Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies U.S. Senate The Honorable Nita Lowey Ranking Member Committee on Appropriations U.S. House of Representatives The Honorable Ed Pastor Ranking Member Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies U.S. House of Representatives

Dear Chair Mikulski, Vice Chair Shelby, Chair Murray, Ranking Member Collins, Chair Rogers, Ranking Member Lowey, Chair Latham, and Ranking Member Pastor: The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is writing to encourage Congress to pass

a full Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 THUD Appropriations bill. LISC is dedicated to helping community residents transform distressed neighborhoods into healthy and sustainable communities of choice and opportunity — good places to work, do business and raise children. We are a national organization with a community focus, with local LISC offices in 30 different metropolitan areas and partnerships with a network of 60 rural organizations serving rural towns, small cities and counties. In total LISC serves 42 states and the District of Columbia. Since 1980, we have invested nearly $14 billion in communities across the country which leveraged $41.2 billion in total development, including 313,400 affordable homes and apartments. LISC is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country.


www.lisc.org

Along with other CHCDF members, LISC is concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness. LISC understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. However, we believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households. Underfunding HUD programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. The underfunding of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic inequality in the United States, and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans with the lowest incomes. It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the country. LISC, along with our local offices and Rural LISC,

urge Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels

sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable housing

options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization

and much needed jobs.

Sincerely, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Rural LISC Greater Boston LISC Buffalo LISC Chicago LISC Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky LISC Connecticut Statewide LISC Detroit LISC Duluth LISC Hartford LISC Houston LISC


www.lisc.org

Indianapolis LISC Jacksonville LISC Greater Kansas City LISC Los Angeles LISC Michigan Statewide LISC Milwaukee LISC New York City LISC Greater Newark LISC Peoria LISC Philadelphia LISC Phoenix LISC Rhode Island LISC San Diego LISC Bay Area LISC (San Francisco, CA) Toledo LISC Twin Cities LISC Virginia LISC DC LISC (Washington, DC) Impact Capital (WA)

October 22, 2014 The Honorable Nita Lowey U.S. House of Representatives The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representative Lowey: The National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA) is writing to encourage Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year (FY) FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill. NACEDA is concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness. NACEDA is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country. NACEDA understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. However, we believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households. Underfunding HUD programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. The underfunding of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic inequality in the United States, and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans with the lowest incomes. It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the country. NACEDA, with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization. NACEDA is an alliance of state and regional associations for community development. Through 42 state and regional associations in 27 states, more than 3,500 community-based organizations are represented by our members. NACEDA leads the community economic development field and its partners in shaping and influencing strategies that advance community prosperity for those who live and work there.

Sincerely,

Frank Woodruff Executive Director National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations

October 23, 2014

The Honorable Harold Rogers The Honorable Nita Lowey


Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations

US House of Representatives US House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Tom Latham The Honorable Ed Pastor


Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and

Urban Development, and Related Agencies Urban Development, and Related Agencies

US House of Representatives US House of Representatives


Dear Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Lowey, Chairman Latham, and Ranking Member Pastor:

On behalf of Lutheran Services in America (LSA), I am writing to urge Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year

(FY) 2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD)

appropriations bill, instead of relying on a long-term or year-long continuing resolution (CR).

LSA is a nationwide network of more than 300 Lutheran health and human services organizations that

touch the lives of one in 50 Americans each year. LSA members serve a broad range of low-income,

vulnerable people including children, youth, and families; seniors; people with disabilities; veterans; the

homeless; and those recovering from a disasters. To meet the distinct and collective needs of these

populations, LSA members provide a broad range of services, including homeless assistance programs

and low-income housing. In Kentucky, New York, Iowa, and Arizona alone, LSA members operate

housing and community development programs in 223 locations, delivering quality services to countless

individuals, especially those most in need.

We are concerned that a long-term FY15 CR would be devastating for the individuals and families who

look to the US Department for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for safe, affordable, and decent

housing. Continuing current funding levels would fail to account for the increasing rents, stagnating

incomes, and growing housing needs that millions of low-income Americans will face in FY15. Rather

than adjust program funding to meet these challenges, as could a regular appropriations bill, a CR would

actually lead to the loss of housing assistance, as housing authorities and providers would be forced to

cut services in order to meet FY14 funding levels in FY15. A CR would, therefore, amplify the cuts that

housing and community development programs have seen in recent years, as well as the negative

impact that underfunding this assistance has had on the poorest, most vulnerable households.

LSA is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a

coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include

faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, developer, and advocacy

groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners

across the country.

While we understand the timing and budgetary challenges you face, LSA, with CHCDF, urges Congress to

pass a full-year FY15 THUD appropriations bill with funding levels sufficient for states, communities, and

providers to maintain and expand affordable housing options that serve the most vulnerable, and to

stimulate community revitalization. Adequately funding HUD’s housing and community development

programs is critical to fulfilling the programs’ goals of helping low-income seniors, people with

disabilities, families with children, and many others live in safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Thank you for your consideration of this request, and we look forward to working with you to ensure a

sustained investment in housing programs. If you have additional questions, please contact Lindsey

Copeland, LSA’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, at [email protected], or (202)

499-5832.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Haberaecker

President and CEO

Lutheran Services in America

mailto:[email protected]

October 23, 2014


Chairwoman Vice Chair

Senate Committee on Appropriations Senate Committee on Appropriations


The Honorable Patty Murray The Honorable Susan Collins

Chairwoman Ranking Member

Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and

Urban Development, and Related Agencies Urban Development, and Related Agencies


Dear Chairwoman Mikulski, Vice Chair Shelby, Chairwoman Murray, and Ranking Member Collins:

On behalf of Lutheran Services in America (LSA), I am writing to urge Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year

(FY) 2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD)

appropriations bill, instead of relying on a long-term or year-long continuing resolution (CR).

LSA is a nationwide network of more than 300 Lutheran health and human services organizations that

touch the lives of one in 50 Americans each year. LSA members serve a broad range of low-income,

vulnerable people including children, youth, and families; seniors; people with disabilities; veterans; the

homeless; and those recovering from a disasters. To meet the distinct and collective needs of these

populations, LSA members provide a broad range of services, including homeless assistance programs

and low-income housing. In Maryland, Alabama, Washington, and Maine alone, LSA members operate

housing and community development programs in 115 locations, delivering quality services to countless

individuals, especially those most in need.

We are concerned that a long-term FY15 CR would be devastating for the individuals and families who

look to the US Department for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for safe, affordable, and decent

housing. Continuing current funding levels would fail to account for the increasing rents, stagnating

incomes, and growing housing needs that millions of low-income Americans will face in FY15. Rather

than adjust program funding to meet these challenges, as could a regular appropriations bill, a CR would

actually lead to the loss of housing assistance, as housing authorities and providers would be forced to

cut services in order to meet FY14 funding levels in FY15. A CR would, therefore, amplify the cuts that

housing and community development programs have seen in recent years, as well as the negative

impact that underfunding this assistance has had on the poorest, most vulnerable households.

LSA is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a




across the country.

While we understand the timing and budgetary challenges you face, LSA, with CHCDF, urges Congress to

pass a full-year FY15 THUD appropriations bill with funding levels sufficient for states, communities, and

providers to maintain and expand affordable housing options that serve the most vulnerable, and to

stimulate community revitalization. Adequately funding HUD’s housing and community development

programs is critical to fulfilling the programs’ goals of helping low-income seniors, people with

disabilities, families with children, and many others live in safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Thank you for your consideration of this request, and we look forward to working with you to ensure a

sustained investment in housing programs. If you have additional questions, please contact Lindsey

Copeland, LSA’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, at [email protected], or (202)

499-5832.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Haberaecker

President and CEO

Lutheran Services in America

mailto:[email protected]

Mercy Housing 1101 30th Street NW, Suite 100-A, Washington, DC 20007 o | 202-495-7403 f | 855-564-3936 mercyhousing.org Mercy Housing is sponsored by communities of Catholic Sisters

The Honorable Barbara Mikulski Chair Committee on Appropriations U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Patty Murray Chair Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Hal Rogers Chair Committee on Appropriations U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Tom Latham Chair Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Richard Shelby Vice Chair Committee on Appropriations U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Susan Collins Ranking Member Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Nita Lowey Ranking Member Committee on Appropriations U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Ed Pastor Ranking Member Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairwoman Mikulski, Vice Chair Shelby, Chairwoman Murray, Ranking Member Collins, Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Lowey, Chairman Latham, and Ranking Member Pastor, Mercy Housing is writing to encourage Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year (FY) FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill. Mercy Housing is concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness. Mercy Housing is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit affordable housing organizations. We build new apartment communities and acquire and rehabilitate existing housing, in addition to managing our own and others’ affordable housing communities. We provide community finance for other affordable housing projects and are a leader in place based neighborhood stabilization. We are redefining affordable housing by creating a stable foundation where our residents can explore their potential, supported by practical Resident Services such as health classes, financial education, employment initiatives, parenting and after-school programs for children. On any given day, more than 144,000 people live in a Mercy Housing home.

Mercy Housing is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country. Mercy Housing understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. However, we believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households. Underfunding HUD programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. The underfunding of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic inequality in the United States, and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans with the lowest incomes. Mercy is particularly concerned about funding for the project-based Section 8 program in FY 2015 and beyond. Both the House and Senate THUD Appropriations bills, drafted earlier this year, would incorporate the Administration’s plan to shift funding of Section 8 contracts from the present federal fiscal year cycle to a calendar year cycle. This policy will provide one-time savings in FY 2015, but according to HUD, will require at least $1.2 billion in additional budget authority in FY 2016 to fully fund the program. Both the House and Senate THUD Appropriations bills would reduce funding for Section 8 project-based rental assistance (PBRA) to $9.7 billion, consistent with HUD’s budget request and not enough in the long term to provide 12 months of funding for every contract. HUD’s proposal is a good faith attempt to provide reliable, predictable funding for the project-based Section 8 program. In its Congressional justifications, HUD acknowledges that providing contractual funding increments of less than 12 months from expiration (“short funding”) is problematic and asserts that the calendar year proposal will provide a “more stable…funding structure.” Nevertheless, in a flat budget environment, securing the required $1.2 billion funding increase in FY 2016 presents a tremendous risk. Without this increase, thousands of contracts will be in peril of receiving less than is required to support them through calendar year 2016. Such inadequate funding would diminish private sector investment in these affordable rental properties and jeopardize housing quality and benefits for residents. The project-based Section 8 program provides rental assistance for 1.2 million low-income households across the country. Section 8 allows seniors to live in the communities they helped to create, provides

modest homes for residents who cannot work because of injury or disability, and offers a foundation to build on for young families who are just starting out or who are struggling with our slow economy. Privately owned properties with project-based Section 8 generate $460 million in property taxes for local municipalities and directly support 55,000 jobs. Yet, HUD’s proposal could result in short funding Section 8 contracts covering thousands of apartments, more than half of which are occupied by elderly and disabled households. It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the country. Mercy Housing, with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization. As part of this spending bill, Mercy Housing appeals to Congress to provide a full funding for project-based Section 8 contracts in FY 2015 and in future years. Thank you for your consideration and please let us know if we can provide additional information. Sincerely,

Jane Graf President, Mercy Housing

October 22, 2014 The Honorable Barbara Mikulski Chair Senate Appropriations Committee Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Richard Shelby Vice Chair Senate Appropriations Committee Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Harold Rogers Chair House Appropriations Committee Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Nita Lowey Ranking Member House Appropriations Committee Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chair Mikulski, Vice Chair Shelby, Chair Rogers and Ranking Member Lowey: The National Alliance to End Homelessness (the Alliance) is writing to encourage Congress to pass a full fiscal year (FY) 2015 T-HUD Appropriations bill, with adequate funding for HUD programs. HUD’s programs were hit hard by sequestration in the FY 2013 bill, and last year’s bill was not enough to make up for that impact. The FY 2015 bills that have been produced so far do not adequately address the housing and community development needs of Americans. The Alliance is concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, particularly people experiencing homelessness. The Alliance is especially concerned about the failure of either the House or the Senate bill to provide the funding necessary to end chronic homelessness. The Bush and Obama Administrations both determined that ending chronic homelessness (long-term or repeated homelessness among people with severe disabilities) would be lifesaving for the most vulnerable Americans, would save taxpayers money, and would be the right thing to do for the United States. Since the Bush Administration first articulated the goal of ending chronic homelessness, Congress has steadily increased funding for HUD’s Homeless Assistance, the supply of permanent supportive housing has increased, and chronic homelessness has steadily declined, by 43 percent since 2005. We are now within striking distance of ending chronic homelessness in our country. The Administration proposed a $301 million increase in Homeless Assistance, to $2.406 billion, enough to provide housing for 37,000 homeless people and, in combination with better targeting of existing resources, to finish the job. At Congress’s request, the Administration prepared a plan to end homelessness, including a goal of ending chronic homelessness by the end of 2016. FY 2015 is the last year for Congress to fund homeless assistance and have the money on the streets in time to house people in 2016, so meeting the goal requires action now. Failing to follow through with the money necessary to reach this goal would likely undermine the current momentum, and result in less leveraged local funding, as well as thousands more Americans with disabilities living on the streets or in shelters for long stretches of time. The failure by Congress in its preliminary bills to fund this proposal is indicative of the problems created by underfunding HUD. If it fails to fund this request, Congress will continue to saddle America’s taxpayers with the costs associated with chronic homelessness – emergency rooms, shelters, jails – and the negative impact on communities. It will continue to allow thousands of Americans, who have the misfortune of a severe disability, to live on the streets. It is essential that the final FY 2015 appropriations legislation includes enough budget authority to fund this proposal, as well as the other important work of HUD. Underfunding HUD programs more generally undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. The Alliance understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. However, we believe that the level of nondefense discretionary spending already agreed upon for FY 2015 should allow the Appropriations Committee to finish the job of ending chronic homelessness, and otherwise address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households.

The underfunding of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic inequality in the United States, and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans with the lowest incomes. It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the country. The Alliance urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 T-HUD Appropriations bill with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable and supportive housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization. In particular, funding 37,000 units of permanent supportive housing to end chronic homelessness in America has bipartisan support, as well as the strong support of the Administration, and is something historic we can do this year by working together to prioritize an increase to HUD’s budget and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants program. Sincerely,

Nan Roman President & CEO Cc: Hon. Patty Murray Hon. Susan Collins Hon. Tom Latham Hon. Ed Pastor

The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), which is

comprised of approximately 23,000 housing and community development (HCD) agencies and

individuals who administer affordable housing and community development programs, is writing

to encourage Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill. NAHRO is concerned

about the repeated cuts to HCD programs and the negative impact that underfunding these

critical programs has on low-income people, including those with disabilities, seniors, families

with children and people experiencing homelessness.

NAHRO is a long-time member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development

Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development

groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary,

civil rights, developers and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and

moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country.

NAHRO understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. However, we

believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for

HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-

income households. Underfunding HUD programs diminishes our ability to help low-income

seniors, people with disabilities, families with children and many others live in safe, stable,

affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. Given increasing rents and stagnating

incomes for the poorest households, funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could

force cutbacks in assistance in the near future. The underfunding of HUD programs is

particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic inequality in the United States,

and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address poverty. HUD is the

federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans

with the lowest incomes.

It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community

development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-

income households across the country. NAHRO, along with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a

full FY 2015 T-HUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable states

and communities to continue to create more affordable housing options for the most vulnerable

populations and to stimulate more community revitalization.

Sincerely,

John F. Bohm

Senior Director

Congressional Relations

820 FIRST NE, SUITE 740 WASHINGTON, DC 20002-3560 TEL: 202.408.9514 FAX: 202.408.9520 TTY: 202.408.9521

WEBSITE: WWW.NDRN.ORG E-MAIL: [email protected]

October 23, 2014 Honorable Hal Rogers Honorable Nita Lowery Chairman Ranking Member House Committee House Committee on Appropriations on Appropriations H305 – The Capitol H305 - The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515 Honorable Tom Latham Honorable Ed Pastor Chairwoman Ranking Member House Committee House Committee on Appropriations on Appropriations Subcommittee Transportation, Subcommittee Transportation, Housing & Urban Development Housing & Urban Development and Related Agencies and Related Agencies 2358-A Rayburn House Office Bldg 2358-A Rayburn House Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representatives: As the Executive Director of the National Disability Rights Network, I write to encourage Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill. We are concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness. The National Disability Rights Network is the nonprofit membership organization for the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system and Client Assistance Program (CAP). The P&A/CAP network was established by the United States Congress to protect the rights of people with disabilities and their families through legal support, advocacy, referral, and education. The P&A/CAP network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the country.

2

NDRN is also a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, disability rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country. NDRN understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. However, we believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households. Underfunding Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable and accessible housing and to revitalize their communities. Another consequence of underfunded programs is the negative impact on a number of HUD housing programs that are critical for people with disabilities to obtain and retain independence in our society. Programs like, Section 811 Project Based Rental Assistance (PRA), Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act assist people with a full range of disabilities, providing them with supports bringing them into fully community based permanent affordable accessible housing as well as provide housing for extremely low income people with significant disabilities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. These cuts would cause tens of thousands of people, including people with disabilities, to lose their housing. These cuts will add to the existing burden for people with disabilities, who already often face a waiting list for years before obtaining stable housing through these programs. NDRN supports, at minimum, sufficient funding to continue providing housing for those people currently on these programs. Statewide Protection and Advocacy agencies across the country regularly advocate for people with disabilities to obtain adequate housing in a community-based setting, and have experienced how important these programs are for people with disabilities. For example, the Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center (NDALC) represented a woman with mental illness who had lost her Section Eight housing when she was involuntarily committed to a state mental health facility. Once she was able to return to the community, she faced a three-year waiting list to reapply for public housing. NDALC assisted her in requesting a waiver of the three-year waiting period so she could get an apartment. In the District of Columbia, University Legal Services (ULS) represented a wheelchair user who had been homeless for more than a year, and only was able to live in an apartment after ULS helped her receive housing through the D.C. Department

3

of Human Services. Many people with disabilities face similar challenges all across the country. It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of people with disabilities across the country. NDRN, the P&A and CAP network, along with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable and accessible housing options and stimulate more community revitalization. On behalf of the 57 Million children and adults who are people with disabilities, their families and advocates we ask that you fully fund and pass the FY 2015 THUD Appropriations Bill. Sincerely,

Curt Decker Executive Director National Disability Rights Network

820 FIRST STREET NE, SUITE 740 WASHINGTON, DC 20002-4243 TEL: 202.408.9514 FAX: 202.408.9520 TTY: 202.408.9521

WEBSITE: WWW.NDRN.ORG E-MAIL: [email protected]

October 23, 2014 Senator Barbara Mikulski Senator Richard Shelby Chairwoman Ranking Member Senate Committee on Appropriations Senate Committee on Appropriations Room S128 – The Capitol Room S128 - The Capitol Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510 Senator Patty Murray Senator Susan Collins Chairwoman Ranking Member Senate Committee on Appropriations Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee Transportation, Subcommittee Transportation, Housing & Urban Development Housing & Urban Development and Related Agencies and Related Agencies Room S128 – The Capitol Room 128 – The Capitol Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senators: As the Executive Director of the National Disability Rights Network, I write to encourage Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill. We are concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness. The National Disability Rights Network is the nonprofit membership organization for the

Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system and Client Assistance Program (CAP). The P&A/CAP network was established by the United States Congress to protect the rights of people with disabilities and their families through legal support, advocacy, referral, and education. The P&A/CAP network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the country. NDRN is also a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, disability rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country.

2

NDRN understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. However, we believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households. Underfunding Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable and accessible housing and to revitalize their communities. Another consequence of underfunded programs is the negative impact on a number of HUD housing programs that are critical for people with disabilities to obtain and retain independence in our society. Programs like, Section 811 Project Based Rental Assistance (PRA), Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act assist people with a full range of disabilities, providing them with supports bringing them into fully community based permanent affordable accessible housing as well as provide housing for extremely low income people with significant disabilities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. These cuts would cause tens of thousands of people, including people with disabilities, to lose their housing. These cuts will add to the existing burden for people with disabilities, who already often face a waiting list for years before obtaining stable housing through these programs. NDRN supports, at minimum, sufficient funding to continue providing housing for those people currently on these programs. Statewide Protection and Advocacy agencies across the country regularly advocate for people with disabilities to obtain adequate housing in a community-based setting, and have experienced how important these programs are for people with disabilities. For example, the Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center (NDALC) represented a woman with mental illness who had lost her Section Eight housing when she was involuntarily committed to a state mental health facility. Once she was able to return to the community, she faced a three-year waiting list to reapply for public housing. NDALC assisted her in requesting a waiver of the three-year waiting period so she could get an apartment. In the District of Columbia, University Legal Services (ULS) represented a wheelchair user who had been homeless for more than a year, and only was able to live in an apartment after ULS helped her receive housing through the D.C. Department of Human Services. Many people with disabilities face similar challenges all across the country. It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of people with disabilities across the country. NDRN, the P&A and CAP network, along with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable and accessible housing options and stimulate more community revitalization. On behalf of the 57 Million children and adults who are people with disabilities, their

3

families and advocates we ask that you fully fund and pass the FY 2015 THUD Appropriations Bill. Sincerely,

Curt Decker Executive Director National Disability Rights Network

4

1101 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC 20005 • (202) 898-1661 • Fax: (202) 371-9744 • www.nationalfairhousing.org

The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) is the voice of fair housing. NFHA works to eliminate housing discrimination and to ensure equal housing Opportunity for all people through leadership, education, outreach, membership services, public policy initiatives, advocacy and enforcement.

October 24, 2014 The Honorable Harry Reid The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader Minority Leader U.S. Senate U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable John Boehner The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker Minority Leader U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Barbara Mikulski The Honorable Richard Shelby Chair Vice Chair Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations U.S. Senate U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Harold Rogers The Honorable Nita Lowey Chair Ranking Member Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Majority Leader Reid, Minority Leader McConnell, Chair Mikulski, Vice Chair Shelby, Speaker Boehner, Minority Leader Pelosi, Chair Rogers, and Ranking Member Lowey: The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) is writing to encourage Congress to pass a full THUD Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2015. We have grown deeply concerned about the repeated cuts sustained by housing and community development programs and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on ensuring equal housing choice for all Americans, but especially for low-income people, people with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness. Founded in 1988, the National Fair Housing Alliance is a consortium of more than 220 private, non-profit fair housing organizations, state and local civil rights groups, and individuals from 37 states and the District of Columbia. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NFHA, through comprehensive education, advocacy and enforcement programs, provides equal access to housing for millions of people.

page 2/ NFHA Letter re: FY15 THUD Appropriations

The National Fair Housing Alliance is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country. NFHA understands the timing and budget constraints currently facing Congress. However, we strongly believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households. Underfunding HUD programs undermines the goals of enforcing the Fair Housing Act, helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. Underfunding HUD programs is particularly devastating in light of recent attention to economic inequality in the United States, and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans with the lowest incomes. We are particularly concerned about the consistent decrease in funding for the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). HUD’s FHIP program is the only federal funding source dedicated to providing local non-profit fair housing organizations with the resources necessary to educate the public about their right to fair housing free from discrimination, train housing providers about their responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act, and help those who have experienced housing discrimination achieve justice. FHIP-funded fair housing groups are highly efficient and effective, and they investigate over two-thirds of all complaints of housing discrimination in the United States combined. HUD estimates that nearly 4 millions incidents of housing discrimination occur each year just in the rental market, yet annual FHIP funding is only enough to address less than one percent of those each year. A full FY 2015 spending bill with at least $44.1 million for FHIP will help private fair housing groups empower individuals to become their own advocates and help and fill the gap in fair housing enforcement to ensure that all Americans can access safe and affordable housing without fear of being discriminated against. It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting diverse, local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the country. The National Fair Housing Alliance, with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization. Sincerely,

Shanna L. Smith President and CEO

Chairman Hal Rogers Committee on Appropriations H-305 The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515 Chairman Tom Latham THUD Appropriations Subcommittee 2358-A Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515

Ranking Member Nita Lowey Committee on Appropriations 1016 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Ranking Member Ed Pastor THUD Appropriations Subcommittee 1001 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Lowey, Chairman Latham and Ranking Member Pastor, The National Housing Conference (NHC) is writing to encourage Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year (FY) FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill. NHC is concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness. NHC is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country. NHC understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress, however, we believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households. Underfunding HUD programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. The underfunding of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic inequality in the United States, and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans with the lowest incomes. It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the country. NHC with CHCDF urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization. The National Housing Conference (NHC) represents a diverse membership of housing stakeholders including tenant advocates, mortgage bankers, non‐profit and for‐profit home builders, property managers, policy practitioners, realtors, equity investors, and more, all of whom share a commitment to safe, decent and affordable housing for all in America. We are the nation’s oldest housing advocacy organization, dedicated to the affordable housing mission since our founding in 1931. As a nonpartisan, 501(c)3 nonprofit, we are a research and education resource working to advance housing policy at all levels of government in order to improve housing outcomes for all in this country. Sincerely,

Chris Estes President and CEO

Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski Vice Chair Richard Shelby Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations U.S. Senate U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 Chairwoman Patty Murray Ranking Member Susan Collins THUD Appropriations Subcommittee THUD Appropriations Subcommittee U.S. Senate U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 205 Dear Chairwoman Mikulski, Vice Chair Shelby, Chairwoman Murray, and Ranking Member Collins: The National Housing Conference (NHC) is writing to encourage Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year (FY) FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill. NHC is concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness. NHC is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country. NHC understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress, however, we believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households. Underfunding HUD programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. The underfunding of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic inequality in the United States, and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans with the lowest incomes. It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the country. NHC with CHCDF urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization. The National Housing Conference (NHC) represents a diverse membership of housing stakeholders including tenant advocates, mortgage bankers, non‐profit and for‐profit home builders, property managers, policy practitioners, realtors, equity investors, and more, all of whom share a commitment to safe, decent and affordable housing for all in America. We are the nation’s oldest housing advocacy organization, dedicated to the affordable housing mission since our founding in 1931. As a nonpartisan, 501(c)3 nonprofit, we are a research and education resource working to advance housing policy at all levels of government in order to improve housing outcomes for all in this country. Sincerely,

Chris Estes President and CEO

National Housing Trust

1101 30th Street, N.W., Suite 100A Washington, D.C. 20007 202-333-8931 FAX: 202-833-1031

October 21, 2014

The Honorable Harry Reid The Honorable Mitch McConnell

Senate Majority Leader Senate Minority Leader



The Honorable John Boehner The Honorable Nancy Pelosi

Speaker of the House House Minority Leader



Dear Senator Reid, Senator McConnell, Speaker Boehner, and Congresswoman Pelosi,

The National Housing Trust (NHT) is writing to encourage Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year (FY) 2015

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill. NHT is the nation’s

leading expert in “preserving and improving” affordable housing, ensuring that privately owned

rental housing remains in our affordable housing stock and is sustainable over time. Using the

tools of real estate development, rehabilitation, finance, and policy advocacy, the Trust is

responsible for saving more than 25,000 affordable homes in 41 states, leveraging more than $1

billion in financing.

NHT is concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and

the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those

with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness.

NHT is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a




across the country.

NHT understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. We believe that a long-

term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not

adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households, however.

Underfunding HUD programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with



disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to

revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks

in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households.

The underfunding of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic

inequality in the United States and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address

poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by

Americans with the lowest incomes.

NHT is particularly concerned about funding for the project-based Section 8 program in FY 2015 and

beyond. Both the House and Senate THUD Appropriations bills, drafted earlier this year, would

incorporate the Administration’s plan to shift funding of Section 8 contracts from the present federal fiscal

year cycle to a calendar year cycle. This policy will provide one-time savings in FY 2015, but according to

HUD, will require at least $1.2 billion in additional budget authority in FY 2016 to fully fund the program.

Both the House and Senate THUD Appropriations bills would reduce funding for Section 8 project-based

rental assistance (PBRA) to $9.7 billion, consistent with HUD’s budget request and not enough in the long

term to provide 12 months of funding for every contract.

HUD’s proposal is a good faith attempt to provide reliable, predictable funding for the project-based

Section 8 program. In its Congressional justifications, HUD acknowledges that providing contractual

funding increments of less than 12 months from expiration (“short funding”) is problematic and asserts that

the calendar year proposal will provide a “more stable…funding structure.”

Nevertheless, in a flat budget environment, securing the required $1.2 billion funding increase in FY 2016

presents a tremendous risk. Without this increase, thousands of contracts will be in peril of receiving less

than is required to support them through calendar year 2016. Such inadequate funding would diminish

private sector investment in these affordable rental properties and jeopardize housing quality and benefits

for residents.

The project-based Section 8 program provides rental assistance for 1.2 million low-income households

across the country. Section 8 allows seniors to live in the communities they helped to create,

provides modest homes for residents who cannot work because of injury or disability, and offers a

foundation to build on for young families who are just starting out or who are struggling with our slow

economy. Privately owned properties with project-based Section 8 generate $460 million in property taxes

for local municipalities and directly support 55,000 jobs. Yet, HUD’s proposal could result in short funding

Section 8 contracts covering thousands of apartments, more than half of which are occupied by elderly and

disabled households.

It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development

programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the

country. NHT, with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall

with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable

housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization. As part

of this spending bill, NHT appeals to Congress to provide a full funding for project-based Section 8

contracts in FY 2015 and in future years.



Thank you for your consideration and please let us know if we can provide additional information.

Sincerely,

Michael Bodaken

President




October 21, 2014


Chair Vice Chair




The Honorable Patty Murray The Honorable Susan Collins


Appropriations Subcommittee on Appropriations Subcommittee on

Transportation, Housing and Urban Transportation, Housing and Urban

Development Development



The Honorable Hal Rogers The Honorable Nita Lowey





The Honorable Tom Latham The Honorable Ed Pastor


Appropriations Subcommittee on Appropriations Subcommittee on

Transportation, Housing and Urban Transportation, Housing and Urban

Development Development



Dear Chairwoman Mikulski, Vice Chair Shelby, Chairwoman Murray, Ranking Member Collins,

Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Lowey, Chairman Latham, and Ranking Member Pastor,

The National Housing Trust (NHT) is writing to encourage Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year (FY) 2015

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill. NHT is the nation’s

leading expert in “preserving and improving” affordable housing, ensuring that privately owned

rental housing remains in our affordable housing stock and is sustainable over time. Using the

tools of real estate development, rehabilitation, finance, and policy advocacy, the Trust is



responsible for saving more than 25,000 affordable homes in 41 states, leveraging more than $1

billion in financing.

NHT is concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and

the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those

with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness.

NHT is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a




across the country.

NHT understands the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. We believe that a long-

term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not

adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households, however.

Underfunding HUD programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with

disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to

revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks

in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households.

The underfunding of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic

inequality in the United States and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address

poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by

Americans with the lowest incomes.

NHT is particularly concerned about funding for the project-based Section 8 program in FY 2015 and

beyond. Both the House and Senate THUD Appropriations bills, drafted earlier this year, would

incorporate the Administration’s plan to shift funding of Section 8 contracts from the present federal fiscal

year cycle to a calendar year cycle. This policy will provide one-time savings in FY 2015, but according to

HUD, will require at least $1.2 billion in additional budget authority in FY 2016 to fully fund the program.

Both the House and Senate THUD Appropriations bills would reduce funding for Section 8 project-based

rental assistance (PBRA) to $9.7 billion, consistent with HUD’s budget request and not enough in the long

term to provide 12 months of funding for every contract.

HUD’s proposal is a good faith attempt to provide reliable, predictable funding for the project-based

Section 8 program. In its Congressional justifications, HUD acknowledges that providing contractual

funding increments of less than 12 months from expiration (“short funding”) is problematic and asserts that

the calendar year proposal will provide a “more stable…funding structure.”

Nevertheless, in a flat budget environment, securing the required $1.2 billion funding increase in FY 2016

presents a tremendous risk. Without this increase, thousands of contracts will be in peril of receiving less

than is required to support them through calendar year 2016. Such inadequate funding would diminish



private sector investment in these affordable rental properties and jeopardize housing quality and benefits

for residents.

The project-based Section 8 program provides rental assistance for 1.2 million low-income households

across the country. Section 8 allows seniors to live in the communities they helped to create,

provides modest homes for residents who cannot work because of injury or disability, and offers a

foundation to build on for young families who are just starting out or who are struggling with our slow

economy. Privately owned properties with project-based Section 8 generate $460 million in property taxes

for local municipalities and directly support 55,000 jobs. Yet, HUD’s proposal could result in short funding

Section 8 contracts covering thousands of apartments, more than half of which are occupied by elderly and

disabled households.

It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development

programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the

country. NHT, with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall

with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable

housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization. As part

of this spending bill, NHT appeals to Congress to provide a full funding for project-based Section 8

contracts in FY 2015 and in future years.

Thank you for your consideration and please let us know if we can provide additional information.

Sincerely,

Michael Bodaken

President


October 21, 2014 The Honorable Harry Reid The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader Minority Leader U.S. Senate U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable John Boehner The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker Minority Leader U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Barbara Mikulski The Honorable Richard Shelby Chair Vice Chair Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations U.S. Senate U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Harold Rogers The Honorable Nita Lowey Chair Ranking Member Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Majority Leader Reid, Minority Leader McConnell, Chair Mikulski, Vice Chair Shelby, Speaker Boehner, Minority Leader Pelosi, Chair Rogers, and Ranking Member Lowey: On behalf of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, I urge Congress to pass a full year FY15 THUD appropriations bill. NLIHC is dedicated solely to achieving socially just public policy that assures people with the lowest incomes in the United States have affordable and decent homes. HUD’s housing programs that serve the lowest income households, such as the public housing, housing choice voucher, project-based rental assistance, HOME, and homeless assistance programs are key to the stability of the currently served households and those families that will be served by them in the future.

We are concerned that a long term or year-long continuing resolution will lead to the loss of housing assistance as housing authorities and local housing providers have to cut costs to meet flat funding levels provided for in a continuing resolution. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY14 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. Continued underfunding of HUD programs will not allow the United States to meet it its goal to end family, children, and youth homelessness by 2020. NLIHC is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low and moderate income renters and homeowners across the country. It is essential Congress make its FY15 HUD funding decisions with the knowledge of the critical role affordable housing has in improving the lives of low income households, and the role community development programs have in supporting local economies. NLIHC, with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a full FY15 THUD appropriations bill before December 11 with funding levels sufficient to allow states and communities to maintain and expand affordable housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate community revitalization. Thank you for considering our views. Sincerely, Sheila Crowley President and CEO

October 24, 2014 Dear Senator Reid, The National Center for Housing and Child Welfare (NCHCW) is writing to encourage Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year (FY) FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill. NCHCW is concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness.

Congress must ensure adequate and predictable funding for HUD’s permanent housing programs, including the Family Unification Program (FUP), as well as the critical shelter and transitional services necessary to adequately address the needs of children, youth, and families in the absence of adequate funding for permanent housing. Additionally, we ask you to consider the plight of the 29,000 young people aging out of foster care each year, nearly a quarter of whom experience homelessness within a year of leaving care. Homelessness is not a problem that proves less costly to taxpayers when access to housing and services is reduced. Persistent homelessness leads to poor health, unemployment, and poor educational outcomes that can drive up societal and economic costs. In the absence of an adequate supply of affordable, quality housing units, child welfare agencies find themselves in the unenviable position of separating families to protect children from the debilitating effects of homelessness. This is a costly solution to homelessness. The cost of separating one family is an average of $60,000 annually while permanent housing and supportive services is less than $15,000 (Harburger & White, 2004). NCHCW is a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country. We understand the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. However, we believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households. Underfunding HUD programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. The underfunding of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic inequality in the United States, and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address

poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans with the lowest incomes. It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the country. NCHCW, with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization.

Sincerely, The National Center for Housing & Child Welfare

Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF) ∙ BRIDGE Housing ∙ The Community Builders ∙ The Evangelical Lutheran

Good Samaritan Society ∙ Homes for America ∙ Mercy Housing ∙ National Church Residences ∙ The NHP Foundation ∙ NHT/Enterprise Preservation Corp. ∙ Preservation of Affordable Housing ∙ Retirement Housing Foundation ∙ Volunteers of America ∙

www.sahfnet.org

October 24, 2014

The Honorable Barbara Mikulski Chair Committee on Appropriations U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Richard Shelby Vice Chair Committee on Appropriations U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Harold Rogers Chair Committee on Appropriations U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Nita Lowey Ranking Member Committee on Appropriations U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chair Mikulski, Vice Chair Shelby, Chair Rogers, and Ranking Member Lowey: Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF) is writing to encourage Congress to pass a full Fiscal Year 2015 THUD Appropriations bill. SAHF is concerned about the repeated cuts housing and community development programs have taken and the negative impact that underfunding these critical programs has on low-income people, including those with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness. SAHF represents eleven high capacity mission-driven not-for-profit members who acquire, preserve and are committed to long-term, sustainable ownership and continued affordability of multifamily rental properties for low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals. Since 2003, SAHF has promoted its members’ shared notion that stable, affordable rental homes are critically important in people's lives. Together SAHF members provide homes to over 100,000 low-income households across the country. SAHF is also a member of the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF), a coalition of national affordable housing and community development groups. CHCDF members include faith-based, private and public sector, financial intermediary, civil rights, developer, and advocacy groups. These groups work to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income renters and homeowners across the country. We understand the timing and budget challenges currently facing Congress. However, we believe a long-term or year-long Continuing Resolution at FY 2014 funding levels for HUD’s programs will not adequately address the growing housing needs of millions of low-income households. Underfunding HUD programs undermines the goals of helping low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and many others to live in safe, stable, affordable housing and to revitalize their communities. Funding HUD’s housing programs at FY 2014 levels could force cutbacks in assistance in the near future, given increasing rents and stagnating incomes for the poorest households. The underfunding of HUD programs is particularly distressing in light of recent attention to economic inequality in the United States, and expressions by members of both parties of a commitment to address poverty. HUD is the federal agency whose programs are most targeted to ameliorating hardship faced by Americans with the lowest incomes.

It is essential that Congress understand the important role that housing and community development programs have in supporting local economies and improving the lives of low-income households across the country. SAHF, with CHCDF, urges Congress to pass a full FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill this fall with funding levels sufficient to enable states and communities to continue to create more affordable housing options for the most vulnerable populations and stimulate more community revitalization. SAHF is particularly concerned about the Project Based Section 8 program which provides critical rental assistance to over 1.2 million households across the country. Under-funding this program in FY15 creates significant risk to residents and owners in FY16 and we urge additional funding to maintain the stability of this program. Thank you for your consideration of these requests. Please do not hesitate to contact Clare Duncan ([email protected] or 202-737-5974) with any questions or concerns. Sincerely,

Toby Halliday Executive Vice President

Documents

October 20, 2014 The Honorable Barbara Mikulski The ... · 727 15th St., NW, 11th Floor Washington, DC 20005 October 24, 2014 Phone: 202.347.0333 Fax: 202.347.3411 OFFICERS