Statement from President Joseph Biden on 50th Anniversary of the Housing Choice Voucher Program

WASHINGTON - Today, President Joseph R. Biden issued a statement in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), a cornerstone of federal housing assistance that supports millions of low-income families, people with disabilities and older adults. As HUD's single largest investment in affordable housing, the HCV program remains critical to expanding housing choice and opportunity and ensuring safe, quality, and affordable homes for all Americans.

President Biden today released the followingproclamationin support of the Housing Choice Voucher Program:

"I extend my warmest greetings to all those gathered in our Nation's Capital to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program.

Since it was created in 1974, the HCV Program has served as our country's largest rental assistance program, providing millions of families with access to affordable housing in communities of their choice. Thanks to the thousands of Public Housing Agency partners who administer this program and the private market landlords who participate in it, individuals and families are receiving housing and resources, resulting in better health, employment, and educational outcomes.

My Administration has worked alongside the Department of Housing and Urban Development to build upon these efforts and ensure that Americans have a safe and affordable place to live. We secured federal rental assistance for over 100,000 additional households-the largest expansion in 20 years-and developed the first-ever national infrastructure to stop evictions and keep millions in their homes. There's more to be done, and that's why my Administration is fighting to expand the HCV Program and lower housing costs for all Americans.

As we honor this milestone anniversary, I want to express my gratitude to the leaders, officials, and advocates who implement and support this program. Because of you, Americans across the country have a place to call home. People like you make me more optimistic about our Nation's future than ever."