Federal Priorities

The ability to afford a place to call home is a challenge across the United States, and Kentucky needs the federal government to do its part for all of us in the Commonwealth.

Our platform urges the Kentucky Congressional delegation to:

Protect and federal funding for housing assistance and development to close the affordability and supply gaps.
- Invest in housing supply funds for low to moderate income households, including the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, National Housing Trust Fund, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and Community Development Block Grant programs.
- Invest in homeless assistance grants for permanent supportive housing, short term rental assistance, and shelter through the Continuum of Care and Emergency Solutions Grant programs.
- Invest in public housing and housing voucher programs to bridge the gap between high rents and low incomes for everyone, including children, families, and seniors.

Fulfill the intent of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 so that no one is discriminated against based on their status while attempting to purchase or rent a home.
Permanently authorize the CDBG-Disaster Recovery program to speed up disaster housing recovery. Kentucky has experienced devastating weather disasters over the last five years, and while we’ve been fortunate to receive CDBG-DR assistance, its slow deployment is partly because there are no permanent laws governing its implementation. In a time of more frequent catastrophes, we need the federal government to respond systematically with permanent resources for disaster response.
Support the national Tenants Bill of Rights.
Protect the safety net, including health care and food assistance - supports through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid in particular help people afford their housing and allow for critical supportive services paired with housing for people with behavioral health needs who have experienced homelessness.
Oppose legislation that undermines evidence-based and successful efforts to solve homelessness. Policies that incorrectly identify behavioral health as the cause of homelessness will not solve homelessness at the individual, community, or state level. The cause of homelessness is unaffordable housing, and federal responses will be successful only when they are focused on ensuring availability of affordable homes with community-based supports and services.

For more information or to get involved, contact Adrienne Bush.