ELCA Advocacy Action Alert: Support Funding for Housing and Homeless Programs This Year

Join Lutheran leaders this week in calling for the highest budget allocation possible to address housing and homeless challenges this year.

This week, representatives from Lutheran social service ministries are meeting with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., highlighting the need to invest more in affordable housing and shelter programs. This comes as legislators convene to discuss the annual federal budget, and as homelessness continues to rise at staggering rates in many communities across the United States.

Due to a federal budget deal struck in 2023, paired with continued inflation in the market, congressional staff have indicated it will be a challenge finding enough funding simply to renew EXISTING housing programs – making housing this fiscal year a core concern that could impact the work of many of our ministries among people experiencing homelessness . Additionally, new restrictions on nonprofits in the House of Representatives have inadvertently barred faith-based and religious entities from making their own appropriations requests (read linked article for more context), adding a new challenges for our partners active in providing essential shelter needs.

Adequate funding for shelter and housing supply expansion are crucial to ensuring that all people, especially the most vulnerable among us, have access to a safe and affordable home. A home is a major determiner for individuals and families to access many essential opportunities including economic mobility, employment, addiction treatment, education, healthcare and other vital services. Lutheran ministries, volunteer coordinators, faith-based shelters and houses of worship across the United States understand that access to adequate housing is a core human need. But houses of worship cannot meet the large need alone without meaningful policy change and support from public partners.

Share your customized message using the ELCA Action Center TODAY as Congress begins early discussions around the federal budget.