Why is the Veterans and Affordable Housing Act needed
We are in the midst of a crushing housing crisis where one in three Californians can’t afford their rent and housing costs. California is the epicenter of homelessness with nearly a quarter of the nation’s total homeless population living here. We are also home to the highest numbers of veterans and unaccompanied youth and minors experiencing homelessness.
The Veterans and Affordable Housing Act will help build affordable homes for veterans, working families, people with disabilities, Californians experiencing homelessness and others struggling to find a safe place to call home.
What will the Veterans and Affordable Housing Act do for Californians?
The Act will first and foremost build and preserve affordable homes, including supportive housing, for veterans, working families, people with disabilities, Californians experiencing homelessness and others struggling to find a safe place to call home.
This is also an opportunity to create 137,000 jobs and pump $23.4 billion into California’s economy. The Veterans and Affordable Housing Act tackles top priorities for Californians - building homes, creating jobs and boosting the economy.
How will funding under the Act be used?
The measure will dedicate funding to build and preserve housing, including supportive housing, and provide homeowner assistance through a variety of proven and effective programs, including:
|
Multifamily Housing Program (MPH) |
$1.5 billion |
|
Cal-Vet Farm and Home Loan Program |
$1 billion |
|
Infill Infrastructure Grant Financing |
$300 million |
|
Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program |
$300 million |
|
Local Housing Trust Match Grant Program |
$300 million |
|
CalHome |
$300 million |
|
CalHFA Home Purchase Assistance |
$150 million |
|
Transit-Oriented Development Program |
$150 million |
Who is supporting the Act?
The statewide measure is supported by a broad coalition of veterans’ organizations, affordable housing advocates, business and labor leaders, cities, environmental groups and many more committed to helping Californians have safe, affordable homes. This includes leading statewide organizations such as Dignity Health, Habitat for Humanity California, United Ways of California, California Association of Veterans Services Agencies, California Housing Consortium, Housing California, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, California League of Conservation Voters, the California League of Cities and many more. A current list of supporters can be found here.
I’m a homeowner and don’t need affordable housing. Why should I vote yes on the Veterans and Affordable Housing Act?
The state’s affordable housing and homelessness crisis affects our neighborhoods and quality of life as Californians. We need not look any further than our neighborhoods, streets and local parks to see the human devastation of homelessness and the strain the crisis takes on our public safety resources and emergency rooms. The struggle to find an affordable home may affect someone you know - a family member, coworker, a veteran returning from service to your community or an older parent on a fixed income. By supporting the Veterans and Affordable Housing Act, you can help build affordable homes for veterans, struggling families and children, people with disabilities and Californians experiencing homelessness in your community and support a healthier economy.
What can I do to help pass the Act?
Tell your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to vote YES on the Veterans and Affordable Housing Act this November! Learn how we can all play an important role in helping veterans, working families, people with disabilities, Californians experiencing homelessness and others find a safe, affordable place to call home. Share information from our website, endorse the measure and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
