Friday, Apr 12 2013 3:39PM

The proposed 2014 HUD budget will focus on rental and homeless assistance.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its 2014 budget proposal, which outlines its plans to extend more affordable housing assistance and homeless eradication programs to vulnerable populations.

The budget proposal would provide $46.7 billion in funding for 2014, which is a 9.7 percent increase from 2012. Approximately $726 million may be used to address the housing needs of Native Americans, and $526 million may be used to sustain rental assistance and produce an estimated 4,100 new supportive housing units. More than 90 percent of the funding increase would be devoted toward rental and homeless assistance programs. Further, much of the budget will focus on promoting sustainable economic development and improving high-poverty areas.  

"The president understands that in today's budget climate, we can't build ladders of opportunity on a mountain of debt," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "As we work to strengthen our nation's housing markets, we can't lose sight of our commitment to house and serve millions of extremely low-income families who live on the margins of our economy."

As April represents Fair Housing Month, HUD is focusing more heavily on ensuring that housing providers know their roles and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act, as well as the resources available to them to provide assistance to low-income families. 

For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development