Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Representative Val Hoyle (OR-4) have reintroduced the Decent, Affordable, Safe Housing for All Act (DASH Act) to address the US housing shortage and affordability crisis. The comprehensive housing legislation aims to expand the production of affordable housing for low-income and middle-income families, create a new down payment tax credit for first-time homebuyers, and provide key services to help keep people housed.
Housing Affordability Crisis
The DASH Act is designed to spur construction of millions of housing units for working-class and middle-class Americans. The legislation also seeks to lower housing costs and make a landmark investment to end homelessness. Senator Wyden emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the housing crisis deepens every year in Oregon and across the country, dimming people’s dreams of homeownership and pushing more working-class families onto the street because they can’t cover rent.
The bill proposes to house everyone experiencing homelessness within five years, prioritizing children and families for placement by issuing them a Housing Choice Voucher. It also aims to expand physical and mental health, child care, financial, and nutrition services to help families and individuals achieve unassisted housing stability.
Addressing Housing Shortages
To address housing shortages, the DASH Act would greatly increase housing production by investing more in deeply affordable housing for extremely low-income households. It would strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and establish a Renter’s Tax Credit and Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit. The legislation also seeks to invest in homeownership for underserved communities and low-income Americans with new down payment assistance.
Congresswoman Hoyle underscored the critical need for immediate action, stating that people cannot wait any longer for relief. America’s housing and affordability crisis is devastating communities, and the DASH Act addresses both the immediate issues and the underlying causes behind the growing homeless and housing crisis.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
