Addressing America's Housing Crisis: A Call for Federal Action and Community Engagement

Introduction

The newly released report from the National Housing Crisis Task Force, From Crisis to Transformation: A Federal Housing Policy Agenda, highlights a deepening crisis in the United States housing sector. This bipartisan effort presents a roadmap for addressing a growing issue that impacts millions of Americans and threatens the stability of families and communities nationwide. With record-high home prices, rising homelessness, and nearly half of all renters in the U.S. feeling the burden of housing costs, the Task Force’s findings underscore the urgency of taking bold, collaborative action across federal, state, and local levels.

At CPSEMO, we work daily with individuals facing housing insecurity and homelessness. We see the profound impact of limited affordable housing options, especially in rural areas. This report emphasizes the scale and complexity of the housing crisis and serves as a catalyst for local organizations like ours to amplify our voices, collaborate with broader networks, and advocate for transformative policies. Here’s what the Task Force’s agenda means for communities like ours.

Federal Leadership and Local Partnership

One of the report’s primary recommendations is the establishment of a White House Housing Crisis Council to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts. Such leadership is critical to aligning resources and policies across departments that impact housing, from HUD to the Department of Energy. In our community, we know that housing needs intersect with other issues—such as healthcare, transportation, and employment—that require a coordinated approach. A federal Housing Crisis Council could provide this coordination on a national scale, potentially transforming fragmented policies into cohesive strategies that reach underserved communities like ours.

Increasing Affordable Housing Supply

The Task Force’s agenda proposes increasing housing supply through innovative policies, including unlocking federal capital and removing regulatory barriers that slow development. This aligns with our goals to address the critical shortage of affordable homes in Southeast Missouri. By easing regulatory requirements and fast-tracking permits, we can encourage more local construction of affordable housing and explore options like adaptive reuse of existing buildings.

One example highlighted in the report is expanding Opportunity Zones to support affordable housing. This could incentivize developers to invest in regions like ours, where a lack of affordable housing units limits options for low-income families. Policies that drive development in rural areas will allow us to meet our mission of supporting equitable access to housing.

Supporting Local Government and Organizations

The report also emphasizes empowering local governments and nonprofits to implement these changes effectively. Initiatives like HUD’s PRO Housing program, designed to help local governments identify and remove barriers to housing production, are critical for our community. Rural areas often face unique challenges, including limited capacity and resources to navigate complex federal funding processes. Increased support for these initiatives will help us more effectively partner with federal programs and implement solutions tailored to our community’s needs.

Providing a Stronger Housing Safety Net

Perhaps most urgent is the Task Force’s call to strengthen the social safety net for renters and homeowners facing severe cost burdens. In 2022, 50% of renter households were cost-burdened, with many spending over 30% of their income on housing. The report advocates for a universal housing voucher system, ensuring that all eligible households have access to affordable rental assistance. For families in Southeast Missouri, this could mean the difference between stable housing and the uncertainty of homelessness. This policy, alongside investments in homelessness solutions, would provide much-needed support to our community’s most vulnerable.

Conclusion

The National Housing Crisis Task Force’s report is a rallying call for change, advocating for a comprehensive federal response to a crisis that impacts communities across the nation. Here at CPSEMO, we are committed to being part of the solution. We call on our local leaders, community members, and supporters to join us in advocating for these critical changes. By working together, we can build a future where everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.

Let’s take action today to ensure that the recommendations in this report are not just words on a page, but a reality for our neighbors and communities in Southeast Missouri.