Espaillat and Ocasio-cortez Lead Effort to Provide Shelter for the Unhoused and Asylum Seekers

Press Release

Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) have introduced critical legislation to protect housing insecure migrants and individuals.

H.R.9210 aims to waive certain requirements for Community Development Block Grant amounts used for public services activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to homelessness and emergency rental assistance needs.

"Our bill will eliminate the 15% cap on housing public services, as stipulated in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and extend CDBG emergency grant payments from three to six months. These changes will alleviate pressure on municipalities dealing with the homelessness crisis and provide tens of thousands of underprivileged people with the benefits they deserve to live a healthy and safe existence, all while encouraging self-sufficiency," said the Members.

Notably, the cap on public services allows only a small fraction of money to be spent on vital resources such as shelter. In addition, emergency grant payments are currently able to be disbursed to individuals and families for up to three consecutive months. These payments cover rent, utility, and mortgage bills, providing those in need with a lifeline in times of crisis. Three months is often not enough, as residents in danger of eviction need timely support to get on their feet and cover food, education, transportation, and other life-sustaining costs. For asylum seekers awaiting their work permits, extending this time period will afford immigrant families access to shelter in the interim--a human right as recognized by the United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.

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