Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Reps. Brad R. Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH) and Danny K. Davis (D-IL) introduced legislation that would increase affordable housing for homeless students - including homeless youth, veterans, and foster youth - by improving the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).

The LIHTC reduces the tax liability for developers that build or rehabilitate affordable rental housing units, successfully increasing the affordable housing for individuals and families who experience homelessness.  Unfortunately, the current “student rule” prohibits full-time students from living in LIHTC-funded properties.  This prohibition was intended to prevent the building of dorms with LIHTC funds.  Unfortunately, this prohibition excludes students who currently struggle or recently struggled with homelessness who would otherwise qualify for housing, forcing them to choose between stable housing or a full-time education.  The Housing for Homeless Students Act would create a limited exception to the LIHTC student rule to allow homeless or recently‑homeless individuals who are full‑time students to live in LIHTC units.

"Students and veterans should never have to choose between pursuing a full-time education and stable housing. This bill helps those in need to invest in their futures and sets them on the path to achieving the American dream," said Rep. Wenstrup. "I'm pleased that this bipartisan bill addresses one aspect of the affordable housing crisis, and I am proud to reintroduce this legislation with my colleague, Rep. Danny Davis." 

“Housing security is fundamental to physical, mental, and socioeconomic well-being,” said Rep. Davis. “I am proud to work with Dr. Wenstrup to improve the successful Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to ensure that youth and veterans struggling with homelessness do not have to choose between completing a college degree or stable housing.  This fix is needed now more than ever when research shows that over one-third of all college students and almost half of community college students were housing insecure. This bill increases housing opportunities and stability for homeless youth and veterans so that they can complete their education and thrive.”

National Network for Youth: “The National Network for Youth supports the Housing for Homeless Students Act to ensure that youth and veterans who have experienced homelessness can access affordable housing while pursuing education. Young people need access to education and affordable housing to achieve their fullest potential and stop the cycle of homelessness.”  – Darla Bardine, Executive Director

SchoolHouse Connection: “Education beyond high school remains the most reliable and enduring way out of poverty, yet homelessness is a persistent barrier for too many young people. This legislation will free thousands of youth from the instability of homelessness, and open the door to a future filled with promise.” – Barbara Duffield, Executive Director

This legislation is supported by more than two dozen youth and family advocates:  A Way Home America; Alliance for a Just Society; Center for Children's Rights; Center for Economic Justice and Action; Center for Law and Social Policy; Child Welfare League of America; Clackamas Community College; Coalition for Juvenile Justice; Communities for Our Colleges; The Education Trust; Family Promise; First Focus Campaign for Children; Food for People; Forum for Youth Investment; The Hope Center at Temple University; John Burton Advocates for Youth; National Alliance to End Homelessness; National Center for Housing and Child Welfare; National Coalition for the Homeless; National Health Care for the Homeless Council; National Homelessness Law Center; National Network for Youth; New Mexico Basic Needs Consortium; Polaris; Postsecondary Basic Needs Coalition; SchoolHouse Connection; The Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice at SNHU; Texas Appleseed; Texas Network of Youth Services; uAspire; Washington Student Achievement Coalition; Youth Jobs Connect; and Youth Villages.

For a summary of the Housing for Homeless Students Act, please click here.

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