Issue Brief

Affordable Housing 

The lack of quality, affordable housing options available to low-income workers, single parents, seniors, and people with disabilities is a statewide concern and a persistent problem.  Individuals and families living in unaffordable housing have a much higher risk of hunger – cutting back more than they should on food in order to meet other basic necessities. 

Did you know that in Pennsylvania…? 

·        On any given day, more than 15,000 people are homeless.  Many are children.  Each year, school districts across the Commonwealth provide services to approximately 13,000 homeless children.  

·        Housing is considered unaffordable if a family or individual is paying more than 30% of their income towards housing costs, utilities included.  47% of all renters fall into this category, as well as many homeowners. 

·        More than 90,000 families are on waiting lists for public housing and rental vouchers.  Even when our neighbors can gain access to appropriate social services, there is no guarantee they will be helped.  Several of Pennsylvania’s most successful and effective programs have been under resourced for years so that the demand is now 3 to 4 times higher than can be financed.           

            Consequences of the Affordable Housing shortfall

The lack of affordable housing creates a multitude of problems that extend far beyond homelessness.  Families paying more than the 30% affordability standard are forced to make unbearable decisions and forgo health care, nutritious food, heat, and other basic necessities in order to keep a permanent roof over their head.

 Unaffordable housing in a community can also be a disincentive for economic development.  When developers move elsewhere, transportation infrastructure often lags behind.  This adds more cars on the roads, and makes it next to impossible for workers who cannot afford to own a car to get a job in newly developed areas where jobs are readily available.

What has the ELCA said about Affordable Housing?  

The ELCA Church Council passed A Message on Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment in 1990.  In this, the church said that “housing is a fundamental human right”, while at the same time recognizing the complexity and variety of circumstances that often lead to homelessness. 

Although no policy will be perfect, the message calls on us to “not overlook the need for new and sustained initiatives by governments…and effective political and economic policies to assure housing [and other] services for low-income families”. 

What Can I Do?   

Contact your State Legislators!  Learn about House Bill 60 and Senate Bill 599 both of which would establish a state housing trust fund under the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Act.

 

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HB 60 & SB 599:  the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and

Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Act

 

 

What will these bills do?

The PHARE Act would establish a state housing trust fund to be administered by the PA Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).   Such a fund would allow PHFA to build and/or rehabilitate more homes that will then be rented or sold to lower income people. 

Establishing the fund will ensure greater efficiency & accountability for any federal money Pennsylvania receives from the National Housing Trust Fund, established in 2008.  It does not require any new state money.   

Who supports these bills? 

HB 60 was introduced by Rep. Peter Daley (D, Washington Co.), chair of the House Commerce Committee, the committee of jurisdiction.  It is a bi-partisan bill with 63 co-sponsors. 

SB 599 was introduced by Sen. Gene Yaw (R, Williamsport), chair of the Senate Urban Affairs Committee, also the committee of jurisdiction.  It is also bipartisan and has 21 co-sponsors.   

LAMPa’s partner, the Housing Alliance of PA, has collected the endorsement of over 160 organizations across the state that support the creation of a state housing trust fund.  Additionally, the creation of a National Housing Trust Fund (est. 2008), was a top priority for the ELCA Washington Office and Lutheran Services in America (LSA). 

What is LAMPa asking Advocates to do? 

In order to help the state housing trust fund remain visible to legislators and their staff, LAMPa is asking you to contact both your state senator and your state representative.  A call or an e-mail to either their Harrisburg or their district office will let them know this important fund has constituent support.  All contact information is available on the LAMPa website. 

Below is some information you can share with your legislators when communicating with them: 

·        PHARE will help to provide affordable homes, preserve the homes we have, and help those who have no home.

·        Through providing more affordable homes, jobs will also be created which will produce tax revenue, revitalize communities, and enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvania’s families. 

·        A recent poll conducted by the Housing Alliance shows that 58% of voters think there is a great need for affordable housing for families just starting out, and 75% think the lack of housing available to families with incomes of $40,000 is a problem.       

  

January 2010         www.lamp.org