Help Avert Housing Cuts in FY24 Budget
Urge Congress to Pass a Budget with Strong Homeless and Affordable Housing Programs
From ELCA Advocacy. In March, members of Congress began the routine annual process of writing the federal budget. This process comes as deep budget cuts have been proposed during early negotiations, and as lawmakers have had divisive conversations over raising the federal debt ceiling. In this context, faith advocates must communicate that no cuts should be inflicted on critically underfunded housing or homeless programs which impact many of us in great need.
Lutheran ministries, volunteer coordinators, faith-based shelters and houses of worship understand that access to adequate housing is a core human need. The limited supply of housing as rent costs rise and inflation continues is felt particularly by new prospective homeowners, renters, older Americans and many others in our rural and tribal communities. For hunger and nutrition, access to healthcare, educational outcomes, workforce development and more, housing is a vital baseline. Some houses of worship are even building affordable housing (here’s just one example). Such investment is among efforts to respond to the significant affordability crisis, which can force terrible choices on a household. Yet houses of worship alone cannot meet the large need without meaningful policy change and support from public partners.
“Greed, selfishness, and racism are also factors in the economics and politics of housing, contributing to the persistence and increase of homelessness,” states the ELCA social message “Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment.” “Housing is a fundamental human right. The [U.S.] government has stated its commitment to the goal that all citizens have decent housing and a suitable living environment (Federal Housing Act of 1949).” (p. 2). Legislators setting priorities in the federal budget must understand that this is NOT a time to reduce investments in housing programs.
Send your message to Congress and make it unique. Some tools:
A quote from the ELCA social message, “Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment”
Local housing statistics from your congressional district or state
A story about a personal, church or ministry partnership experience of housing need, impacts and service.
Customize this letter with your own words and local facts and stories influential with your national lawmaker. Thank you for adding your voice!