Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley issued the following statement on the enactment of her Emergency Homelessness Assistance Act, which was signed into law today by President Biden as part of the American Rescue Plan.
The legislation authorizes $5 billion for the Emergency Solutions Grants program to enable state and local governments to finance housing and health-related services for the hundreds of thousands of people currently experiencing homelessness, including the acquisition of hotels and motels to serve as transitional and permanent supportive housing.
“Housing is a critical determinant of public health, and that has never been more true than during this ongoing public health and economic crisis,” Rep. Pressley said. “That’s why I’m encouraged that my Emergency Homelessness Assistance Act, which I’ve been fighting for since the onset of this pandemic, was signed into law by President Biden. This critical provision will invest nearly $5 billion to support the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable families and individuals nationwide who are currently experiencing homelessness. I am grateful to Chairwoman Waters and Representatives Tlaib, Ocasio-Cortez and Neguse for their partnership in getting this across the finish line.”
Experts estimate that $5 billion in additional resources is critical to help communities across the country provide safe and secure shelter for those experiencing homelessness. This provision is responsive to the needs of community and advocates and will provide cities and states the flexibility needed to make long term investments to combat the housing crisis including the conversion of hotels and motels into non-congregate shelters.