To provide technical assistance and grants for faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and local governments to increase the supply of affordable rental housing, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · March 12, 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
The Yes in God's Backyard Act establishes two federal programs to help increase affordable rental housing developed by faith-based organizations, colleges and universities, and local governments. The first program provides technical assistance and resources to help these entities understand how to convert excess property into affordable housing, including guidance on federal funding options and best practices for development and preservation. The second program creates competitive challenge grants for states and local governments that have already adopted policies removing barriers to such housing development, with grant funds available for assessing local barriers, providing technical assistance to developers, and funding actual housing projects. The legislation prioritizes housing for very low-income families, homeless individuals and veterans, people with disabilities, and intergenerational families, with preference given to projects in well-resourced areas of opportunity. The bill authorizes $25 million for technical assistance in 2024 and $10 million annually through 2029, plus $50 million per year from 2024 through 2029 for the challenge grants program.
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