For Immediate Release: March 31, 2009 View the Actual Bill

LIHCA APPLAUDS HOUSING TRUST FUND BILL INTRODUCTION
TO THE ALABAMA STATE LEGISLATURE

Birmingham, AL – The affordable housing crisis in Alabama has reached staggering proportions.  Based on data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Alabama has an estimated shortage of 44,673 affordable and available housing units.1  Many of our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members are unable to find safe and affordable housing for their families.  Compounding this problem is the fact there has been no clear statewide policy to address this matter—until now. 

Today Representatives Laura Hall (District 19 – Madison) and Patricia Todd (District 54 – Birmingham) have introduced House Bill 726 (HB726) to the public. The HB726 calls for the establishment of an affordable housing trust fund for Alabama providing a dedicated revenue source for nonprofit and for-profit organizations, municipalities, and public housing authorities to produce and maintain rental and homeownership options for Alabamians with the greatest needs.

The Low Income Housing Coalition of Alabama (LIHCA) supports the establishment of this Affordable Housing Trust Fund because it will address the housing needs of low-income Alabamians.  “LIHCA is very excited about the introduction of this legislation and the potential impact on the poorest Alabamians and their ability to find safe, decent, and affordable housing,” said LIHCA Board President Marcie Porter.  “The creation of a Housing Trust Fund in Alabama has been LIHCA’s priority since the formation of our statewide coalition and we will continue to work for the passage of this bill for as long as it takes.”

Given the current economic environment and the foreclosure crisis, the ability of every person to secure safe, decent, and affordable housing is on the minds of all Alabamians.  LIHCA recognizes that affordable housing has been a long-standing challenge for thousands of Alabamians who have been facing a housing crisis for years.  An affordable housing trust fund provides the opportunity for the creation of new affordable housing units as well as the rehabilitation and repair of existing homes throughout Alabama.  LIHCA is committed to this legislation as a means of improving the current housing stock and developing new affordable housing units.

LIHCA is a statewide partnership dedicated to ending the affordable housing crisis in Alabama.  Coalition partners formed LIHCA in July 2007 in the belief that a unified voice would strengthen housing advocacy in the state.  Through education and advocacy, LIHCA is raising awareness of this housing shortage, as well as the myriad housing challenges faced by many Alabamians living at or below the poverty level.  LIHCA pursues its mission to increase housing opportunities for Alabamians with the greatest financial need by promoting new affordable housing strategies.

Contact:
Marcie Porter
Board President
Low Income Housing Coalition of Alabama
Phone: (256) 536-3035
Fax: (256) 533-2501
mporter@publicfa.com
www.lihca.org