Dear [Member of Congress]
I am writing out of concern for millions of Americans who suffer from a lack of affordable, safe and adequate housing. Since the recession has hit, the majority of federal assistance has gone to corporate bailouts and the needs of homeowners.
I ask that Congress pass legislation which would share this needed assistance with all areas of the housing market, especially renters and low-income households who are particularly hurt by the recession.
Balancing funding for these groups would address immediate housing needs for those hit hardest by the housing crisis, as well as increase fair housing practices since many under-assisted households belong to communities of color. Historically, communities of color have had a higher percentage of renters than white communities.
In order to address these needs, I urge you to commit to increased funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which decreased by at least $2 billion from 2005-2008. The result has been limited voucher assistance through Section 8 and continued depletion of public housing units.
The increased number of those displaced due to lack of availability and demolition of public housing has placed even greater pressure on the housing market, making affordable housing harder to find and keep.
HUD recently released regulations guiding the implementation of a National Housing Trust Fund, an encouraging step towards addressing these issues. I ask that you support legislation providing full funding for the NHTF as soon as possible.
I also urge you to support legislation which mandates a one-to-one replacement of all demolished public housing units, expands existing Section 8 programs, and which provides adequate services to ensure a complete transition for households whose units are being demolished.
Sincerely,
[Name and address]
