Friday, Jun 28 2013 9:15AM
Many low-income housing programs are in danger of losing their budgets.
Several cities facing economic instability are re-evaluating their budgets to determine where to make cuts, and low-income housing assistance may be one area that could be reduced.
HousingWire recently reported that the once-popular Moving-to-Work program faces scrutiny from lawmakers who are considering reducing its budget. The program, which provides education opportunities and affordable housing assistance to low-income families, currently receives its funding as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Section 8 funds.
Housing officials, including Cambridge Housing Authority Executive Director Gregory Russ, urge lawmakers to prioritize low-income housing in their upcoming budgets.
"MTW is the only program that allows for innovative approaches to preserve these valuable affordable housing assets while encouraging the economic advancement of the families who live there," Russ told Housing Wire.
East Bay Housing Organizations Executive Director Amie Fishman is also lobbying for more affordable housing funding. In the Oakland Tribune, she wrote that affordable housing reduces poverty, promotes public safety and improves health. She also noted that 80 jobs are created for every 100 low-income apartments that are built.
For more information, check out these resources: HousingWire, The Oakland Tribune