Washington, D.C. – The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently released its 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, revealing a staggering 12% increase in homelessness compared to the previous year. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, expressed her concern over the rising crisis and emphasized the need for strengthened federal efforts to address the issue.
"This report makes clear what so many of us already recognize: homelessness is a crisis in every part of our country that is getting worse, and it’s critical we strengthen federal efforts to help people keep a roof over their head and afford a place to call home," said Senator Murray.
The 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report by HUD found that over 650,000 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2023. This marks the largest year-over-year increase in homelessness since HUD began collecting data. The report highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to provide housing and assistance to those in need.
Senator Murray also criticized Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans for their proposed cuts to federal housing and homelessness assistance programs. She stated, "This is no time to talk about slashing our investments in tackling this crisis—but that’s exactly what Speaker Johnson and House Republicans are pushing to do by reneging on the spending deal they negotiated this year and forcing steep across-the-board cuts to vital domestic programs, including federal housing and homelessness assistance and essential programs to increase our housing supply."
House Republicans have been seeking to renege on the spending deal negotiated with the White House earlier this year, aiming to cut funding for non-defense programs, including those addressing homelessness and housing crises. Speaker Johnson has emphasized that he will not pass another short-term funding bill unless full-year appropriations bills are passed by the next funding deadlines. Instead, he intends to pursue a full-year continuing resolution (CR) that would result in a 9.4% across-the-board cut to domestic programs.
Such a cut would lead to a $5.5 billion reduction in HUD's rental and homeless assistance programs, putting 700,000 households at risk of eviction or homelessness. Additionally, nearly 400,000 families would lose access to housing vouchers, and 80,000 households experiencing homelessness would not receive the necessary support.
In contrast, the Senate's FY24 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, which was passed with overwhelming support, maintains critical investments in rental assistance programs and provides new funding increases for federal programs addressing homelessness and affordable housing nationwide. Despite the funding constraints imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Senate bill prioritizes addressing the housing crisis and increasing the supply of affordable housing.
The alarming 12% increase in homelessness reported this year demands immediate attention and action. Senator Murray's call to strengthen federal efforts to tackle this crisis highlights the urgency of the situation. As Congress faces funding deadlines in the coming months, it is crucial for policymakers to prioritize the needs of those experiencing homelessness and work towards effective solutions.
To find out more, go to this link: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majority/senator-murray-on-record-12-increase-in-homelessness-reported-this-year-no-time-to-talk-about-slashing-our-investments-in-tackling-this-crisis
