Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, released this statement following the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Annual Homelessness Assessment Report estimating that the United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness in 2024, driven by the worsening affordable housing crisis.
“I am deeply disappointed to learn that more than 770,000 people are experiencing homelessness on any given night in the United States – an alarming increase of 120,000 since 2023. Sadly, we know exactly how we got here. For decades, a lack of investment in affordable housing has forced countless families out of their homes and onto the streets. This is a crisis in every county and city across America, whether they be rural, urban, or suburban communities.
“During the height of the pandemic, Committee Democrats secured an unprecedented federal eviction moratorium through the CARES Act and over $60 billion in historic housing investments through the American Rescue Plan Act and other pandemic relief legislation. Unfortunately, these funds have now run out, leaving many families with less support even as the affordable housing crisis rages on. Despite rising homelessness, the report shows an 8% decrease in veteran homelessness, thanks to Congress’ allocation of $73 million to support veterans in need. This is proof of what we can get done when we invest in evidence-based solutions.
“Unfortunately, after spending two years trying to defund critical housing programs, Republicans are set to kick off the next Congress by cutting taxes for the rich – likely at the expense of housing and other critical programs. Meanwhile, co-President Elon Musk, who has relentlessly dehumanized people experiencing homelessness, is already plotting to slash government programs through the incoming Department of Government Efficiency initiative, with housing likely at the top of the list. As usual, Republicans have spent more time blaming people experiencing homelessness than working to find solutions. Democrats, however, have real solutions.
“That’s why I am calling on Congress to immediately pass my housing bills, including the ‘Housing Crisis Response Act,’ the ‘Ending Homelessness Act,’ and the ‘Downpayment Toward Equity Act.’ Together, these bills would create nearly 1.4 million affordable homes, reduce housing costs, end homelessness, and revive the dream of homeownership for all. Without stable and affordable housing, children cannot thrive, families are forced to choose between food on the table and a roof over their heads, and communities suffer. Democrats in Congress are ready to return to Washington to get these bills across the finish line as quickly as possible. We cannot wait any longer to make safe, fair, and affordable housing a reality for all.”
Details about Ranking Member Waters’ bills here and below:
- The Housing Crisis Response Act, which represents the housing investments that were previously included in Build Back Better Act, would invest more than $150 billion in fair and affordable housing investments to create nearly 1.4 million affordable and accessible homes, reduce housing costs for all, and help address stubborn core inflation.
- The Ending Homelessness Act, which would end homelessness and significantly reduce poverty by transforming the Housing Choice Voucher program into a federal entitlement, so that every household who qualifies for assistance receives it; and
- The Downpayment Toward Equity Act, which would help revive the dream of homeownership for all by providing $100 billion in direct assistance to help first-time, first-generation homebuyers cover downpayments, closing costs, and buydown mortgage interest rates.
