Washington, D.C. – More than 600 organizations sent a national letter on September 5 to the moderators of the next presidential debate – ABC and Univision’s George Stephanopoulos, David Muir, Linsey Davis, and Jorge Ramos – urging them to ask the candidates how they would address the nation’s affordable housing crisis.
There is a shortage of 7 million homes affordable and available to the lowest-income renters in America, and more than a half million people are homeless on any given night. The lack of affordable housing affects every state and community - urban, rural, and suburban. Voters from across the country are impacted and are calling for solutions. According to a recent national public opinion poll commissioned by NLIHC, 85% of voters believe that having safe, accessible, and affordable housing should be a top national priority, and 80% want major action from Congress and the White House.
Many of the 2020 presidential candidates are responding. So far, 11 presidential candidates have released plans or proposals to address the nation’s housing affordability crisis, with most focusing on the needs of the lowest-income families and those experiencing homelessness. More such proposals are expected soon. A few candidates mentioned affordable housing during the first two debates, but the moderators failed to directly ask them about what they would do to address homelessness and housing affordability in the U.S. More than 600 national, state, and local organizations are calling for the moderators of debate in Houston on September 12 to do just that.
Research shows that when people have decent, accessible, and affordable homes, their lives improve in numerous other ways – in their health, education, economic wellbeing, and beyond. Providing affordable homes for those most in need is critical to our nation’s prosperity and to achieving a more just and equitable America. Voters need to know where the candidates stand on this critical issue.
Read the national sign-on letter at: https://bit.ly/2lBTunB
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About NLIHC: Established in 1974 by Cushing N. Dolbeare, the National Low Income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to achieving socially just public policy that ensures people with the lowest income in the United States have affordable and decent homes.
About Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020: A non-partisan campaign to register, educate, and mobilize more low-income renters and affordable housing advocates to be involved in voting.