Federal Policy

The Legislative Affairs unit monitors a range of federal legislation and regulatory action related to homelessness ranging from affordable housing and land use to services for foster youth and veterans. In addition, LAHSA closely tracks the federal budget process, which appropriates funding for key homelessness programs, such as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants program, as well as vital programs that serve as bulwarks against homelessness, such as the Housing Choice Voucher program.

Federal Advocacy

As the lead agency in the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, LAHSA provides local perspective to the larger issue of homelessness and uses its expertise and voice to impact decisions being made at the Federal level.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Other Federal Departments, Committees, and Agencies

Federal Budget

The work that LAHSA and its community partners engage in could not be possible without federal appropriations. LAHSA’s Legislative Affairs unit tracks this process to monitor the resources allocated to key programs to prevent and end homelessness, so that LAHSA can best serve the individuals, families with children, and youth experiencing homelessness in the LA CoC.

Click here for an updated budget chart of specific programs which LAHSA is tracking.

Federal Legislation Related to Housing and Homelessness

No.

2021

S.580

Affordable Housing Redevelopment Act

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA)

Would reauthorize the Neighborhood Stabilization Act with $1.5 billion to allow state, local, and nonprofit entities to acquire and rehabilitate vacant, abandoned, or surplus properties and turn them into affordable housing.

In Senate Committee

Support

2021

S. 2065

Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act

Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH)

Would make updates and amendments to the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI) including bringing the benefit payment up to the Federal Poverty Line and increasing the income disregards by adjusting for inflation.

In Senate Committee

Support

2021

H.R.4497

Housing is Infrastructure Act

Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43)

Would invest over $600 billion in the nation’s housing infrastructure including through the Housing Choice Voucher program, the Housing Trust Fund, the Home Investment Partnerships program, and public housing; and would address fair housing, climate resiliency, and zoning issues.

In House Committee

Support

2021

H.R.4496

Ending Homelessness Act

Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43)

Would make significant advancements in ending homelessness and reducing poverty by transforming the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program into a federal entitlement and making investments in other housing and homelessness programs.

In House Committee

Support

2021

H.R. 711/S. 102

West Los Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act of 2021

Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33)/Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA)

Would enable land use revenue from the West LA VA Campus eligible to be used for housing options for veterans experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.

Signed by President

Support

2021

H.R. 2965

Naomi Schwartz Safe Parking Program Act of 2021

Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Would create a federal grant program to fund the establishment and operation of safe parking programs.

In House Committee

Support

2021

H.R. 2292

Keep Your Home and Prevent Homelessness Act of 2021

Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35)

Would redirect unspent funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program to the National Housing Trust Fund.

In House Committee

Support

2021

H.R. 1947

Ensuring a Long-Term Housing Recovery Act

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA)

Would provide $25 billion to HUD for Housing Choice Vouchers for all income-eligible households.

In House Committee

Support

2020

H.R. 7301

Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020

Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43)

Provides funding and protections for homeowners, renters, and people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Passed/Agreed to in House

Support

2020

H.R. 6768

Prevent Evictions Act of 2020

Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33)

Creates a grant program through HUD to establish or expand landlord-tenant mediation programs.

In House Committee

Support

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