HUD Secretary Asks House For Greater Commitment To Housing

By Aaron Richardson-Talk Radio News Service

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan testified in front the House Financial Services Committee thursday about the need for legislation to assist low income Americans with their housing issues.

“Today there are less than 3 units for every 4 low income households and only half the number needed for families who live in extreme poverty.” said Donovan.

Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) spoke candidly during the hearing about the hardships that many veterans face when it comes to inadequate housing.

“ As more and more of our troops come and try to acclimate back to their communities we as government must make sure that they have a home to come home to and provide that assistance.”

During the hearing, Sec. Donovan recommended extending fully funded section 8 contracts for twelve months,increasing federal funding for housing vouchers. Sec. Donovan also described some of the downfalls that HUD has faced in the past, saying, “Too often HUD’s policies and practices get in the way of preservation efforts instead of supporting them, that is going to change.”