NLIHC will host the next session of “Tenant Talk Live” – a webinar geared towards tenant and resident leaders – today, September 18, at 6 pm ET. The webinar will focus on Section 202, a HUD-administered program designed to provide affordable housing to older adults with extremely low incomes. NLIHC staff will be joined by Linda Couch, vice president of housing and aging services policy at LeadingAge. Register for today’s Tenant Talk Live webinar here.
LeadingAge is a coalition comprising aging service providers and various organizations dedicated to serving older adults. At LeadingAge, Linda plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s housing policies and strategic priorities. She works closely with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill, engages with top-level officials at HUD, and interacts with key federal agencies. Her primary mission is to ensure that federally assisted elderly housing policies are given adequate attention and support. In addition to her involvement at the federal level, Linda works with LeadingAge members to keep them informed about the latest developments in federal policies. She actively seeks their input on policies to ensure that LeadingAge’s policy agenda aligns with the needs of its members. Among the many issues Linda addresses in her advocacy work, Section 202 is a top priority.
Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly is a HUD program that extends funding to nonprofit organizations to establish and maintain housing for older adults with extremely low incomes. The program, established under the “Housing Act of 1959,” provides a way for older adults to stay housed without being displaced or institutionalized. Between 2012 and 2016, Section 202 did not receive any funding, which resulted in rental assistance contracts expiring. The absence of funding in the mid-2010s demonstrates why Congress should adequately fund this program. The House’s fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget bill would include $913 million for Section 202, which would result in a cut of $162 million from 2023-enacted levels. If this cut were to pass, it would result in many older adults losing their housing assistance, putting them at higher risk for housing instability, eviction, and homelessness. During today’s webinar, Linda will guide participants through the Section 202 program, explain why expanding funding for the program is important, and share tools and resources for older adults seeking affordable housing.
“Tenant Talk Live” webinars are held the first and third Monday of every month at 6 pm ET. For more information on future topics, view our website: https://nlihc.org/tenant-talk-live-webinar. To stay up to date on “Tenant Talk Live” events and connect with other attendees, join the Tenant Talk Facebook group.
“Tenant Talk Live” would not be possible without tenants like you! We strive to connect and engage with residents and tenant leaders through our webinars. If you are a low-income tenant and have a topic you would like to propose for an upcoming “Tenant Talk Live,” or if you would like to participate as a speaker on an upcoming call or webinar, please email: [email protected]. Webinars like “Tenant Talk Live” also depend on the support of our members. Become an NLIHC member here!