Housing
The right to adequate and affordable housing is a basic social need of every person. Assisting people to break out of the cycle of proverty and homelessness reflects the social justice teachings of the Church.
CURRENT NEWS
Housing Policy Briefs from Partnership For Strong Communities
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
2007
Supportive Housing-Gov. Rell's Fiscal '08-'09 budget proposal includes funding for a total of 250 units of supportive housing over the biennium, less than expected based on her announcement two years ago of an intention to create 1,000 units of permanent supportive housing. (see more below on the Reaching Home Campaign's: Fund 500 Each Year!) The governor's budget proposal includes funds for the Next Steps Initiative, including money in DMHAS for services for 125 individuals in new supportive housing units in FY '08 and 50 additional units in FY '09. These units are targeted for individuals with mental illness/substance abuse disorders who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Funding for Rental Assistance Payments to subsidize 250 units is included in the Department of Social Services budget, along with funds to finance services for 75 families.
Affordable Housing-The governor's spending plan also includes new bond money for housing -- $15 million for each year of the biennium, over and above the Housing Trust Fund commitment of $20 million in each year -- and appropriations for responsible growth - for regional planning organizations, towns, planning and zoning commissioner training, and bonding for open space preservation, brownfield remediation, clean water and regional incentives -- that can augment HOMEConnecticut's plan for incentives to municipalities that foster creation of new housing that is affordable in town centers and other areas where infrastructure exists.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
2006
The amended State budget includes two items that will make more affordable housing available:
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The state's Housing Tax Credit Contribution Program will expand from $5 million to $10 million annually, effective with the 2006 application round. Within the $10 million program, there will be a new workforce housing component ($1 million set-aside) and an expanded supportive housing set-aside ($2 million) to include the Next Steps Initiative. Further, the maximum program award will be raised from $400,000 to $500,000.
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$1.8 million will be added to the state Rental Assistance Program (RAP), enough funding to serve more than 200 additional families. The budget act provides that the $1.8 million increase in the RAP budget last year that was not spent will be made available in the new fiscal year. (The Department of Social Services had delayed spending the new funds in anticipation of a shortfall in its federal Section 8 voucher program.) By not "lapsing" these unspent funds, the RAP program will grow to an estimated $15.9 million, enough to help over 1800 households. The budget also provides funds to the Department of Children and Families that appear to be intended for additional rent subsidies to achieve family reunification, although clarifying budget narrative is awaited.
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