Sen. Tim Scott Says More Government Funds Won’t Solve Housing Crisis, Homelessness

Senators Discuss Solutions to Housing Problems

Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, but for many Americans, that dream is out of reach. That’s why Senators are coming together to discuss solutions to the housing crisis.

The Connection Between Racism and Housing

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 was a landmark piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, and family status. However, despite this law being in effect for over 55 years, there is still work to be done to address racism in housing.

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) handed out more than $47 million to 120 fair housing organizations across the country under its Fair Housing Initiatives Program. While this is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

Slowing Evictions

The Eviction Crisis Act is one proposal being discussed that would create a national database on evictions and provide cash assistance to low-income households to prevent eviction. This program has already been successful in helping millions of families stay stably housed during the pandemic.

Home maintenance and repair is also a major issue for low-income households. A federally funded whole homes program, like the one recently adopted in Pennsylvania, could help address this issue and even tackle lead in older homes.

Racism Alleged in Zoning

Local zoning laws that only allow for single family homes with a yard are being criticized as exclusionary and racist. Removing these restrictive zoning ordinances could help increase the availability of affordable housing and reduce segregation and racial inequity.

It’s time for action to be taken to make housing more affordable, safer, and easier to find for all Americans. Let’s work together to build a better future.