Proposals to Cut Domestic Programs Threaten Loss of Housing Assistance to Low Income Families (CBPP) – December 2, 2010

by | Jun 21, 2011 | Housing News

The full House of Representatives and the Senate Committee on Appropriations have approved bills that would provide adequate funding in 2011 to renew all Housing Choice (“Section 8”) vouchers used by low-income families this year, according to Center analysis. If final appropriations legislation were to fund the voucher program at the midpoint between the House and Senate bills, it would provide $19.3 billion for housing vouchers, including $17 billion for voucher renewals.

However, several proposals to reduce overall funding for nondefense discretionary programs in the final appropriations bills for fiscal year 2011 threaten cuts in voucher funding that could cause tens of thousands of low-income families to lose rental assistance.

To read the full report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, click here.

Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership Releases Report Assessing the Rapid Re-housing of Homeless Families – November 15, 2010

by | Jun 21, 2011 | Housing News

The Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership has released a report assessing the effectiveness of re-housing families sheltered in motels with Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing (HPRP) funds. The report finds that very few families are likely to be able to sustain housing once short-term housing assistance expires. The report includes the following recommendations for the HPRP and Housing First model:

  • The Commonwealth needs a case management system that goes beyond housing stability.
  • Additional funding is needed for stabilization services.
  • Experienced housing service agencies with established property owner relationships are best suited to re-house families and build stability.
  • The barriers to entering the rental market faced by families who have been homeless must be reduced.
  • Success should not be measured only by the number of families who move out of motels.
  • Short-term rental assistance should be available for more than one year and renewed in yearly increments, particularly in areas with high housing costs.

Please click here to read the report.