We’re at a critical point as Congress deliberates over the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill. With a looming deadline of September 30 to avoid a government shutdown, the stakes are exceptionally high for housing cooperatives and vital programs such as Section 202 and Section 8.
What’s at Risk: A Devastating Impact
The House Committee on Appropriations has advanced a FY24 funding bill that could have a devastating impact on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the vulnerable communities served by its programs. Specifically, the Committee’s proposals would:
- Reduce HUD’s overall budget by 25% over fiscal year 2023.
- Enact a 15% cut to the agency’s flagship initiative for low-income older adults, the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program.
- Severely limit funding for new Section 202 homes and new service coordinator grants.
- Eliminate the Older Adult Home Modification Program, which enables older adults to age at home.
These proposals have far-reaching implications, particularly for housing cooperatives that depend on HUD’s Section 202 and Section 8 programs.
Call to Action: Make Your Voice Heard
This is a pivotal moment, and your involvement is crucial. We urge you to contact your members of Congress and send them the following message:
“I urge Congress to:
- Reject House Committee proposals to drastically cut HUD funding.
- Provide full renewal funding for Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance, Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Project Rental Assistance Contracts, and Service Coordinator grants.
- Expand the supply of new Section 202 homes.
- Expand the number of Service Coordinators in HUD-assisted senior housing communities.
- Provide needed funding to preserve Section 202 PRACs going through Rental Assistance Demonstration conversion.”
You can find your Members of Congress and send your messages today through this link.
Next Steps: Stay Connected
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Spread the word and amplify our collective voice by using the hashtag #ProtectOurHousingPrograms and #AffordableHousingForAll
The National Association of Housing Cooperatives: Committed to Providing Affordable, Quality Housing for All.