Please join me in calling for additional funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Public Housing Operating Fund account for tenant participation activities and in the Project Based Rental Assistance account for programs to support resident organizing activities in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations Bill.

We are at an inflection point where we can choose to meaningfully invest in resources that will improve the efficiency of HUD’s assistance programs and the quality of life for assisted families. Tenant organizations are instrumental in protecting residents’ rights, preserving affordable housing, and creating community. 

However, funding for resident participation activities has remained the same since 2001. The current funding is inadequate to support and sustain meaningful tenant organizing activities, which include tutorial services, youth education and sports programs, drug use and violence prevention programs, financial literacy, and much more. Funding resident participation and organizing activities is essential as we work towards a more just housing system.

To adequately support Americans living in public housing and HUD-assisted multifamily housing, I invite you to join me in asking the T-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee to increase funding for tenant participation and resident organizing activities.