Housing advocates speak out during National Week of Action
By: Tracy Lehr
Posted: May 07, 2018 07:15 PM PDT
Updated: May 07, 2018 10:53 PM PDT
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – In support of “Our Homes, Our Voices National Housing Week of Action” affordable housing advocates are urging people to write to Congress.
One of many housing events across the country was held at the Presidio Springs Senior Housing Center in Santa Barbara on Monday.
Housing Authority executive director Rob Fredericks said a compromise in Congress actually increased funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by 10 percent this year, but deep cuts are expected next year.
Affordable housing advocates said the Trump Administration has proposed cuts in 2019 that would reduce rental assistance programs, Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnership funds.
Speakers including Sylvia Alvarez said rental assistance helped her further her education and get a good job in health care. A senior citizen who trained someone to take his job, said he was homeless for awhile before Presidio Springs Senior Housing Center accepted his application 21 years ago.
Affordable housing projects are in the works in Goleta and San Luis Obispo, but advocates said more are needed for the supply to meet the demand.