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CSH Statement on Senate Passage of the Reconciliation Bill

CSH Calls for Balanced Policy That Protects Both Housing and Health Supports

The Senate’s passage of the reconciliation bill presents a deeply mixed outcome for the supportive housing field. While we acknowledge the inclusion of important housing provisions such as expanding and making permanent the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and the New Markets Tax Credit, we cannot overlook the harmful trade-offs embedded in this legislation.

These housing investments, while significant, are not sufficient to offset the damage caused by provisions that undermine access to essential healthcare and basic supports for people experiencing homelessness and housing instability. The bill imposes new barriers to Medicaid and nutrition assistance that will disproportionately impact individuals with complex health and housing needs. These are the very people supportive housing is designed to serve.

Supportive housing succeeds because it pairs affordable homes with the services that help people stay housed and maintain their health. When the government restricts access to those services, it weakens the entire model. Limiting state Medicaid funding tools, imposing burdensome recertification requirements, and expanding work requirements for vulnerable populations all threaten the stability and well-being of those we serve.

CSH remains committed to advancing effective policies that recognize the interconnectedness of housing, healthcare, and human services. We urge Congress to consider the full impact of this legislation, not just its housing investments, but also the barriers it creates for those most in need and the burdens it places on the communities in their districts. We will continue to work with partners across sectors to ensure that supportive housing remains a viable and effective solution to homelessness and housing insecurity.
 
Deborah De Santis
CSH President and CEO

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For Public Safety, Prioritize Access to Housing and Services

The verdict this week related to the death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway train underscores the urgent need for change in how we respond to the unmet mental health and housing crises. When the immediate response to a mental health crisis is excessive force by a member of the public, resulting in death, it is clear that our system is broken.

Data show that Black, Indigenous and People of Color are disproportionately represented among people experiencing homelessness due to unfairness in housing and employment, as well as higher rates of incarceration. Furthermore, these groups are less likely to receive mental health services compared to those identifying as white, a disparity that is even more pronounced among the homeless population. Ensuring that housing is affordable for everyone and that services are available fairly, is crucial to supporting our most vulnerable populations.

We believe that true public safety is achieved not through force, but through compassion and support. Until we prioritize affordable housing and services in our country, more people will be subjected to violence under the guise of public safety. The common-sense and compassionate public safety response recognizes the critical role of stable housing and support services in helping people and communities thrive.

Our elected leaders must invest in data-driven, fiscally responsible solutions that protect the rights and well-being of all human beings. States like Nevada and Michigan have made historic investments of $32 million and $26 million respectively with bi-partisan support in services to address housing and mental health needs.

We call on Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams to take action on their commitments to invest in affordable housing, breaking the cycle of violence in the name of public safety. With this they can take decisive steps to honor Jordan Neely and achieve justice for him and public safety for all people.