Your Affordable Housing Heroes have consistently aimed to foster a positive impact in our nation, offering valuable resources to assist those in need to navigate government initiatives and secure the housing they rightfully deserve.

Now, we have a unique chance to influence a lasting transformation in Affordable Housing policies so that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can house more individuals permanently.

But we need your assistance! For a limited time, HUD has opened a comment period regarding a new rule designed to enhance their capacity to house even more people. However, this rule requires community backing to succeed. That’s why it is CRUCIAL that you leave a comment in support of this rule! Taking part in this process empowers you to be the change you wish to see in the world, assist individuals in securing their future housing, and it may also offer benefits to you directly!

Do Not Leave Your Comment on this Article!!! You MUST Leave it on the Government Site! Submit It HERE: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/HUD-2024-0031-0001

What Does This Proposed Rule Do?

The proposed rule is titled “FR-6362-P-01: Reducing Barriers to HUD-Assisted Housing.” As implied, it aims to diminish the barriers that have historically hindered access to HUD programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, thereby broadening housing availability to a wider demographic.

This marks a new extension of the Fair Housing Act, allowing housing access to individuals with prior criminal records or drug usage histories.

• It’s essential to understand that this rule is structured to maintain community safety by permitting your PHA, or property owner, the right to refuse rental or voucher issuance to applicants who have recently committed crimes, misused drugs, or have a serious criminal history that may not suit their community. This rule is specifically tailored to provide an opportunity for those who have genuinely reformed and are committed to positively contributing to society to find secure housing!

If you believe that those who have transformed their lives and were previously convicted of non-violent offenses, such as marijuana possession, deserve a safe and secure living environment, please click here to leave a comment supporting this rule!

Your comment holds significant weight; if HUD receives more dissenting comments against expanding housing programs than supporting ones, the rule could be scrapped. Ensure your voice is heard by commenting in favor of expanding housing programs for those who need it!

How and What Should I Comment?

You can submit a comment directly by clicking this link, which will take you to the comment form on the National Registrars website, where all proposed rules are made available. Your comment through this link is instrumental in shaping the future of the Housing Choice Vouchers program, as HUD is obligated to consider each comment received!

Simply share your thoughts on the new rule and why you believe affordable housing should be accessible to those who have reformed and deserve a fair chance at stable housing. There’s no need for a lengthy response; a couple of sentences will suffice, and we advise against providing any text to copy and paste, as duplicate comments won’t be counted.

It takes just a minute or two of your time, yet your participation can make a profound difference. Again, all you need to do is click this link to share your comment with a few sentences supporting the initiative to house more people!

Do Not Leave Your Comment on this Article!!! You MUST Leave it on the Government Site! Submit It HERE: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/HUD-2024-0031-0001

How Does this Help Pass a Rule?

Essentially, government agencies possess the authority to establish rules with an impact similar to laws within their domain, provided they align with existing legislation. Just as the FDA can modify regulations concerning food and drugs, HUD can adjust and refine regulations regarding housing and urban development!

However, for an agency to implement changes, they must seek feedback from those affected (which includes the entire nation). Consequently, proposed rules are published in the Federal Register and are open for comments for at least 30 days. After the comment period ends, all feedback is reviewed, addressed, and considered in formulating the final rule.

Thus, if the majority of comments advocate for the rule, it is likely to be enacted! It’s vital to gather these comments, especially since some individuals might express opposition to increased affordable housing due to their stance on government assistance programs. Hence, it’s crucial that we show overwhelming support!

If you haven’t already, make your voice heard here in favor of the rule.

When will they decide on this rule?

The comment period concludes on June 10, 2024. You have until that date to submit your commentary, and it’s advisable to do so sooner rather than later. Following this date, the officials will close the comment section, begin counting the comments for and against the rule, and consider the prevalent views or concerns before finalizing the rule. If we garner sufficient supportive comments, it’s likely the final version will mirror the proposed rule, thereby broadening housing access for everyone!

Nevertheless, if opposing comments outweigh supportive ones significantly, the rule may be revised to limit its assistance scope or potentially discarded entirely. We will learn the outcome after June 10th! Therefore, it is imperative to comment in favor of expanding housing today!