Helping Open Underutilized Space To Ensure Shelter Houses Act

Mike Lee Reintroduces Bill to Promote Affordable Housing

Helping Open Underutilized Space to Ensure Shelter (HOUSES) Act

Washington, D.C. - Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has reintroduced the Helping Open Underutilized Space to Ensure Shelter (HOUSES) Act, a bill that would create a new federal grant program to help states and localities convert unused or underutilized federal property into affordable housing.

Key Provisions

The HOUSES Act would:

• Authorize $500 million in annual grants to states and localities for the conversion of federal property into affordable housing.
• Prioritize properties that are located in areas with high housing costs or where there is a shortage of affordable housing.
• Require states and localities to develop plans for the long-term affordability of the housing units created under the program.

Benefits and Impact

The HOUSES Act would help to increase the supply of affordable housing in the United States, which is a major problem in many communities. By converting unused or underutilized federal property into housing, the bill would help to create more affordable options for families and individuals who are struggling to find a place to live.

In addition, the bill would help to revitalize communities by bringing new life to vacant or underused properties. This would create jobs, boost the local economy, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Conclusion

The HOUSES Act is a common-sense solution to the affordable housing crisis that is facing our nation. By utilizing unused or underutilized federal property, we can create more affordable housing options for families and individuals in need, while also revitalizing communities and boosting the economy. This bill is a win-win for everyone involved, and I urge my colleagues to support it.