IL Affordable Housing Advocates Hope for Help from Congress
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December 10, 2009
CHICAGO - Cold weather and snow are finally here, and with them comes an increasing demand for a warm place to sleep. The growing need for affordable housing has propelled advocates into action. They want Congress to send $1 billion to the National Housing Trust Fund by year's end.
Housing Action Illinois policy director Bob Palmer says the funds would be a great boost for the state's economy during a time of significant need.
"Based on our estimate, investing $1 billion in the National Housing Trust Fund would create over 15,000 construction jobs and 3,800 permanent jobs. It would also, of course, address the big affordable housing need that's out there. One of the great things about the National Housing Trust Fund is that the funds are specifically targeted, primarily for rental housing for extremely low-income households - the people who have the greatest affordability problems, in general."
Citing the government's commitment to bail out banks and corporations earlier this year, Palmer says support of the housing fund would show Congress' allegiance to its constituents.
"Funding for the National Housing Trust Fund would reflect a similar commitment to fund affordable housing for people who are having a hard time paying the rent. We believe that's an equal, if not greater, priority for our nation."
Palmer is working to mobilize public support to pressure lawmakers into voting for bills that benefit the housing trust fund. If Congress allocates the billion dollars, Palmer says the state of Illinois would reap tangible benefits, to the tune of $43 million for affordable housing.