The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Renee Willis, media@nlihc.org, 202-662-1530 x247

National Low Income Housing Coalition & the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding Lead a Rally on Capitol Hill to Call for Greater Investments in Affordable Housing

WASHINGTON

Far too many families are struggling with housing insecurity and are having to make the impossible choice of paying the rent or paying for groceries, medications, and other necessities. Nationwide, more people are renting their homes than ever before, but our investments in affordable housing have not kept pace. As a result, millions of people do not have an affordable place to call home and half a million people, including families with small children and the disabled, are living on the street, in shelters, or in their cars on any given night.

With the growing affordability challenges and shortage of affordable homes for the most vulnerable in America, the Our Homes, Our Voices National Week of Action, featuring more than 50 events and activities across the country in over 30 cities, is calling for increased federal funding for proven Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing programs.

What: As part of the Week of Action, hundreds of affordable housing advocates will convene for a rally on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, July 26, 11:00 am. The rally will include members of Congress, national advocates, and low-income individuals who would be affected by the deep cuts to affordable housing being proposed by the Trump administration and Congress. Hundreds are expected to join the event to raise awareness about the lack of affordable housing in our country and to call on Congress to fully invest in affordable housing solutions that help low income families keep a roof over their heads.

NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel will lead this event.

When:Wednesday, July 26, 11:00 am - 11:45 am ET

Invited Speakers:

  • Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
  • Representative Charlie Crist (D-FL)
  • Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)
  • Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
  • Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA)
  • Representative David Price (D-NC)
  • Representative Mark Takano (D-CA)
  • Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA)
  • Waldon Adams, homeless rights advocate, Miriam's Kitchen
  • Emily Martinuik, federally assisted housing resident, CSH
  • Nan Roman, president and CEO, National Alliance to End Homelessness
  • Steve Thomas, homeless rights advocate, National Coalition for the Homeless

Where:Upper Senate Park, 200 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Why: Speakers will address the severe shortage of affordable homes in America and the crisis faced by millions who are trying to make ends meet and will call for Congress to provide the investments needed to end homelessness and housing poverty in our county.

Please register at: https://bit.ly/2gOKPLG

The National Low Income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to ending America's affordable housing crisis. Established in 1974 by Cushing N. Dolbeare, NLIHC educates, organizes and advocates to ensure decent, affordable housing within healthy neighborhoods for everyone. NLIHC provides up-to-date information, formulates policy and educates the public on housing needs and the strategies for solutions.