Low-income families are paying the price of the government shutdown as housing support falters and workers go without paychecks
As the partial shutdown of the federal government enters its third week, thousands of American families who rely on affordable housing programs are facing difficult and destabilizing consequences. Habitat for Humanity International, along with local Habitat organizations, is calling on Congress and the administration to end the shutdown to restore full funding to vital government services and resume paying federal workers.
“Families who can afford it the least are being forced to pay the highest costs of this government shutdown,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “The Book of Proverbs tells us not to withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act. Our elected officials must act to end this shutdown so the federal government can meet the obligations it has made to the American people.”
The government shutdown, which includes the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture, is having a widespread impact across the country, including direct and harmful impacts on families working to pay their mortgage or rent.
Funding delays caused by the shutdown are impacting some of Habitat for Humanity’s ability to process new mortgage loans and move forward with existing and planned construction projects in some communities.
Here in Wake County, one in four families are cost-burdened and in need of affordable housing. The government shutdown is also delaying the recovery efforts still in progress after last fall’s Hurricane Florence. Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper called on Congress to end the shutdown, which is delaying critical funds and expertise from US Housing and Urban Development.
Feeling helpless in the face of the shutdown? Sometimes hammering helps. Sign up to volunteer with us and help build homes in our community.