Communities across the nation are looking for new ways to make sure everyone has a place to live affordably and safely. The National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) is a key program helping with this. It gives money to build, keep up, and fix homes for those who earn very little1.
HTF funding has grown a lot, with $249 million in 2019, over $323 million in 2020, and nearly $693 million in 20211. Most of this money helps people who are homeless, have disabilities, are elderly, or need special help1.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) is leading the charge for more funding for housing and community development1. They have a coalition of 75 groups working together for fair housing access1. They also have a network of over 250 groups focused on helping low-income families after disasters1.
As the need for housing grows, new ways to solve the problem are being tried. These ideas aim to give more people safe and affordable homes. This includes helping those who have been involved with the justice system2.
Key Takeaways
- The National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) provides critical capital investments to build, preserve, and rehabilitate affordable homes for extremely low-income households.
- States use HTF resources to support projects benefiting people experiencing homelessness, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and other special needs populations.
- The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) leads advocacy efforts to ensure equitable access to affordable housing and fair disaster recovery efforts.
- Innovative social housing models aim to close the housing gap and provide safe, stable, and accessible housing options for low-income individuals and families.
- Ongoing revenue, political will, and dedicated leadership are essential for effectively implementing affordable housing solutions.
Protecting and Expanding National Housing Trust Fund
The National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) is a key federal program. It gives block grants to states for building, fixing, or keeping housing for very low-income families3. These families earn at or below 30% of the area’s median income or less than the federal poverty line3.
Money put into the HTF helps solve big problems. It can fix up distressed areas, help low-income families in hard-to-rent markets, and make homes for people with disabilities3.
Capital Investments for Affordable Homes
Recently, the HTF has shown its worth. In 2016, it gave out $174 million, and in 2024, $214 million was made available3. These funds helped support 123 projects, along with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program’s help in 20173. In 2018, 58 projects in 24 states used the HTF as their main funding source without LIHTC help3.
In 2018, most HTF money went to projects helping people who are homeless, have disabilities, are elderly, or have other special needs3.
National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) for Extremely Low-Income Households
Helping extremely low-income households is the HTF’s main goal. Over 11 million renter households in the U.S. need this kind of help3. We must keep and grow the HTF to make and keep affordable homes for our most vulnerable neighbors3.
Groups like the National Housing Trust (NHT) lead the way in this effort. They’ve helped upgrade over 700 affordable housing units in D.C. through the D.C. Healthy, Green and Affordable Housing Program4. NHT works with partners to change state and utility energy policies with EEFA, aiming to keep affordable homes safe from new investments4. They also focus on cutting carbon emissions in poor areas to better health outcomes and have helped make housing plans in cities like San Diego and Indiana4.
As we work to solve the affordable housing crisis, keeping and growing the National Housing Trust Fund is key. It ensures the most at-risk people get safe, affordable homes5.
| Year | HTF Allocation |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $174 million |
| 2018 | $267 million |
| 2024 | $214 million |
Closing the Housing Gap with Social Housing
The housing crisis in the U.S. is getting worse, and new social housing ideas are stepping up as a solution6. We’re facing a huge shortage of homes, with at least three to six million missing6. Over the last decade, we lost 6.5 million affordable homes priced under $1,000 a month6. This shortage makes housing unaffordable for many, with only 17% of households in Los Angeles County able to buy the median-priced home in 20226.
Social housing projects are using new ways to quickly and cheaply add affordable homes7. They’ve already helped six markets by adding 1,335 affordable homes and kept 12 for workers7. This has also helped reduce homelessness.
Cities like Atlanta, Denver, and Santa Fe are seeing a change in how affordable and supportive housing is built7. These social housing projects can be built fast and cheaply, unlike traditional methods7. The PM+ model is being tested in nine markets, aiming to improve the lives of people moving from homelessness7.
With a 30% jump in first-time homelessness and a 10% increase in homelessness without shelter7, social housing is a ray of hope. New, bipartisan laws are being passed in many states to help build more homes7. This could make affordable and supportive housing more accessible than ever.
“The crisis of homelessness has led to bipartisan, pro-housing legislation being introduced in many states to spur innovations in building construction and housing finance.”
Conclusion
This article has shown how social housing is key to building strong communities and ensuring housing equity. The National Housing Trust Fund is investing in affordable homes. It’s also bringing new social housing ideas to life, helping to bridge the gap in affordable housing for those who need it most8.
Though we don’t have much proof yet on how Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) affects health, we know that housing is vital for our well-being8. Having a stable, quality home helps manage health issues8. As we face the issue of housing affordability, these solutions show a way to make neighborhoods more welcoming and strong8.
California’s Stable Affordable Housing Act and cities like Seattle are leading the way in affordable social housing910. By easing rules, building more housing, and partnering with the private sector, we can tackle the housing gap. This ensures everyone gets a safe, affordable place to live, which is key to a healthy life10.
FAQ
What is the focus of the article?
The article looks into affordable social housing solutions. It aims to strengthen communities. It talks about protecting and growing the National Housing Trust Fund and new social housing models. These help with the shortage of affordable homes for low-income renters.
What is the National Housing Trust Fund?
The National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) is a federal fund. It gives block grants to states for building, fixing, or keeping housing for very low-income families. These families earn at or below 30% of the area’s median income or less than the poverty line.
How can the National Housing Trust Fund address affordable housing challenges?
The HTF can help by investing in distressed areas, offering homes for low-income families in tight markets, and making housing accessible for people with disabilities. The article highlights why we need to protect and grow the HTF. It aims to give decent and affordable homes to over 11 million very low-income renters who need it most.
What are the innovative social housing models explored in the article?
The article looks at new social housing models to help communities end homelessness. These models use social impact investment, nonprofit ownership, and better property management. They make affordable housing available faster and cheaper than old ways.
What are the key takeaways from the article?
The article stresses the need for affordable social housing to make communities stronger and neighborhoods more inclusive. It talks about the National Housing Trust Fund’s role in funding affordable homes. It also covers new social housing models that are solving the affordable housing shortage for low-income renters.
Source Links
- https://nlihc.org/explore-issues/why-we-care/solution – The Solution
- https://www.housingca.org/policy/solutions/ – Solutions to Homelessness & Housing Affordability
- https://nlihc.org/explore-issues/projects-campaigns/national-housing-trust-fund – National Housing Trust Fund
- https://nationalhousingtrust.org/our-work/policy-innovation – Policy Innovation | National Housing Trust
- https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/HTF_Factsheet.pdf – PDF
- https://lwhconsult.com/blog/xelq6xk2o1k69defyps8yfg0r5m8zs – Closing the Housing Gap in California — LWH Consulting
- https://community.solutions/research-posts/closing-the-housing-supply-gap-2023/ – Closing the housing supply gap
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519587/ – Conclusions and Recommendations – Permanent Supportive Housing
- https://commonedge.org/social-housing-in-america-architects-must-answer-the-call/ – Social Housing in America: Architects Must Answer the Call
- http://www.seattleforgrowth.org/conclusion-creating-housing-affordability-fixing-seattle-solve-global-crisis/ – Conclusion: Creating Housing Affordability: Fixing Seattle to Solve a Global Crisis – Seattle For Growth