Rep. Aguilar Re-Introduces the Affordable Housing Resident Services Act

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar re-introduced the Affordable Housing Resident Services Act, which would provide funding to owners of affordable housing properties to offer supportive services for their residents.

"I am proud to once again introduce this critical legislation, to create reliable funding for supportive services, such as financial literacy training, mental health services, elder care and after-school programs, to residents of affordable housing properties," said Rep. Pete Aguilar. "As we work to address the nation's housing crisis and California's homelessness epidemic by building more affordable housing, the importance of connecting residents with quality supportive services is even more vital to help them succeed. This bill will help support hardworking families throughout the Inland Empire and make our communities stronger."

"This legislation promises to be a game-changer for our community's vulnerable populations," said Michael Ruane, president of National CORE, one of the nation's largest providers of affordable housing. "Resident services are critical to opening the door to new opportunities and more fulfilling lives for working families, children, and seniors. Shelter alone is not enough to move people beyond poverty and create thriving communities."

The Affordable Housing Resident Services Act will establish the Affordable Housing Residents Services Grant Program within the Department of Health and Human Services to provide funding for supportive services to their residents over five years. Specifically, owners of affordable housing properties can use up to 25 percent of this grant funding to fund a service coordinator at the property to provide supportive services to residents. The grant funding would mainly be used to provide the supportive services at affordable housing properties, including:

• After-school programs for children and teenagers,
• Educational opportunities for youth and adult residents,
• Mental health, alcohol and addiction treatment,
• Self-sufficiency resources,
• Resources on future home ownership,
• Financial literacy training,
• Elderly care,
• Assistance to residents with disabilities, and
• Other community services

This legislation is endorsed by AHEPA Senior Living, Housing Partnership Network, LeadingAge, National CORE, National Leased Housing Association, Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. and Stewards for Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF).

Rep. Aguilar has made addressing the affordable housing and homelessness crises a top priority. Over the last two years, he has helped deliver more than $72 million that have resulted in more than 400 beds and shelter units throughout the Inland Empire.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.