We wanted to write about the need for more affordable housing funding in the economic stimulus package. But Henrietta Hughes did it for us!
On February 10, at President Obama's town hall meeting in Fort Myers, Florida, he took a question from Henrietta Hughes, a homeless woman living in her car with her children. Ms. Hughes told the President that she is in desperate need of affordable housing, but that her local housing authority has a two year waiting list for assistance.
In response the President thanked Ms. Hughes, recognized that she was one of many people who are homeless, and promised to have his staff assist her. And today we saw an outpouring of community support for Ms. Hughes, including a number of offers of housing.
We deeply appreciate the individual attention paid to Ms. Hughes and her living situation. However, President Obama was right. Whether they are victims of the recent economic and foreclosure crises or individuals and families who have been homeless for a long time, nearly a million more Americans are homeless on any given night.
The newly passed economic stimulus package delivered on only the first item on our three point plan to help prevent and end homelessness - funding for homelessness prevention. We appreciate the commitment of the President and Congress to securing these funds. But we must go farther. NPACH and many other national, state, and local organizations have called for $5 billion a year in seed money for the National Housing Trust Fund, to support housing production. We are also supporting the creation of 200,000 new Section 8 vouchers each year.
Without this additional funding, this country will be unable to respond to today's crisis in homelessness. We are disappointed that the stimulus package did not provide these funds, but are pleased to hear that the Administration is currently drafting a new housing plan. This plan must include the affordable housing production and subsidy funds we need!
Mr. President - listen to Henrietta Hughes. We simply cannot afford to wait any longer!