Congress has passed the first major bipartisan housing package in decades. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act reflects years of work and demonstrates lawmakers’ commitment to addressing the nation’s housing shortage.
Habitat for Humanity International, local affiliates, and Habitat KC helped shape and advocate for many of the bill’s final provisions.
Habitat KC’s Role
As Congress developed the legislation, Habitat KC provided feedback to the House Financial Services Committee based on our experience using federal housing programs. We also worked with our congressional delegation and met directly with lawmakers during Habitat on the Hill to highlight how the bill could expand homeownership opportunities.
How the Bill Supports Habitat KC
The legislation includes several provisions that will strengthen Habitat KC’s work:
- Expands and reauthorizes the HOME and CDBG programs, key funding sources for affordable housing.
- Streamlines HUD environmental reviews, making federal funding easier and less costly to use.
- Creates a pilot home repair program through the Whole Home Repairs Act (Section 202), supporting homeowners and preserving existing housing.
- Provides technical assistance to communities seeking zoning and code reforms that encourage new housing construction (Section 207).
- Authorizes grants for pre-approved home design programs, helping communities accelerate housing development (Section 209).
Focus Shifts to Implementation
In August, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II partnered with Habitat KC to host a housing summit on the new legislation. Housing leaders from across the country discussed the bill’s impact, and they can use the act’s tools and resources to expand housing opportunities.