Congresswoman Ramirez, Housing Advocates Say “Hands Off” Affordable Housing
CHICAGO, IL — Yesterday, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), local advocates, and public housing residents demanded the Trump Administration abandon actions that deepen the housing affordability crisis, reverse its layoffs of 50% of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) staff, and reinstate more than $52.5 million in frozen HUD funds for Illinois. During a press conference, the Congresswoman also announced the reintroduction of critical housing legislation that would expand affordable housing funding and protect tenants' rights to organize. The legislative package includes her Tenants’ Right to Organize Act and a bill to expand permanent housing for veterans through the Veterans Affairs Grant Per Diem Program.
“In the midst of an affordable housing crisis, the Administration is putting in motion a cruel plan to rob working families of the resources we need to thrive and prosper in order to pad the pockets of their billionaire friends. But that won’t deter us. We are standing strong in the plan we unveiled for the future of housing, a progressive vision of affordable, sustainable housing for all, by tenants and for tenants," said Congresswoman Ramirez, referencing her legislative package for affordable housing unveiled in April 2024. “We believe that HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT. That is why I am using every tool at my disposal to fight back in DC and support our communities organizing for affordable housing for all.”
“We are pleased to welcome Congresswoman Ramirez to 65th Infantry Borinqueneers Apartments, which Hispanic Housing constructed in 2016 to provide supportive housing to veterans with incomes as low as 30% of the area median income,” said Tony Hernandez, President & CEO of Hispanic Housing Development Corporation. “These 48 units are a testament to how a public-private partnership like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit can combine with dedicated rental subsidies through HUD and the VA to help build homes for those who have served our country. This development could not have been built and could not operate without the HUD and VA programs that Congresswoman Ramirez is fighting to preserve and without the LIHTC, which she is working to expand.“
“Housing is a basic human right—-and that right is under threat as federal housing programs and funding are threatened with cuts and staff are let go,” said Joy Arugete, CEO of Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation. “But this isn’t just about housing, it’s also about the economy. According to the National Association of Home Builders, building 1000 apartments generates 1250 jobs and $55.9 million in tax and other revenue for local, state, and federal governments. We must come together to ensure everyone has a place to call home, so our communities can truly thrive.”
“Without federal funding sources and the people who make them possible, families will not be able to save or leverage their homes for education, receive lifesaving healthcare, or pass down a home to build generational wealth,” said Amanda Zahorak, Senior Advocacy & Communications Manager for DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs DuPage Habitat for Humanity. “HUD cuts are an injustice to the very magic of being able to show the world what can happen when the government, private, and nonprofit sectors come together to provide the resources our communities need to thrive.”
“As this new administration quietly pulls back support from HUD, low-income families are already suffering. Rent keeps rising, but housing assistance is shrinking while over 10 million renters nationally pay more than half their income just to stay housed,” said Catherine Serpa, CHA resident and Local Advisory Council President for North Central and North West Scattered Sites. And now, programs like Section 8 are being scaled back, leaving families in crisis. Housing is a human right—not a budget cut. If we let this continue, we’re not just losing homes. We’re losing lives.”
“The Administration is turning its back on low-income tenants. It is thus especially important that renters are able to turn towards each other. The Tenants' Right to Organize Act expands protections to ensure that more renters can come together to advocate for better living conditions –windows that keep out the cold, consistently running water - without fear of reprisal,” said tenants' rights attorney Eric Sirota.
To watch the full press conference, CLICK HERE.
For photos, CLICK HERE.
Background:
Since coming to Congress, Congresswoman Ramirez has built a coalition with progressives in Congress, local housing leaders, and national organizations to advance a bold vision for the future of housing. Congresswoman Ramirez is centering tenants’ vision and power as a cornerstone of our housing future. Her legislation empowers tenants, especially low-income, women, Black, Brown, and immigrant tenants, to transform the housing landscape in our country.
Ramirez’s multisectoral focus on housing responds to the current national housing crisis, worsened by Trump’s policies. According to the National Housing Coalition, there is a staggering 7.1 million shortage of affordable homes, with over 293,000 just in Illinois. The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates 771,480 people are experiencing street and shelter homelessness on any given day, setting new records. In addition, tens of thousands of Illinois families live doubled-up with family and friends. It is estimated that the expansion of tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber, and other construction materials will increase the cost to build affordable, quality housing.