Brown Introduces Resolution Calling for Action on National Housing Crisis

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) has introduced a House Resolution calling for urgent, coordinated federal action to address the nation’s worsening housing crisis by preserving and expanding access to affordable housing. Brown’s Housing Crisis Resolution is co-led by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), a senior member of the House Committee on Financial Services.

The Resolution outlines the urgent need to address the housing crisis nationally and calls for a comprehensive approach to addressing it, including: expanding and preserving affordable housing units; strengthening Federal rental assistance programs; promoting equitable zoning and infrastructure alignment; and partnering across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to protect tenants and spur innovation. 

“In Northeast Ohio and across America, our housing crisis is pricing families out of stability. It’s harder than ever to find a place to live, pay the bills, keep our families safe and secure, and build wealth. Housing isn’t just having a roof over your head— it is the foundation for safety, security, and opportunity. This crisis is hitting families in every corner of the country, and it’s widening the wealth and racial gaps we’ve been trying to close for generations. I am proud to introduce this resolution with Congresswoman Beatty because it is time that we put the House of Representatives on record on this important issue. The housing crisis is impacting every congressional district, and we need a coordinated federal response,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.   

“Housing is a human right, full stop,” said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. “The nation's ongoing affordable housing shortage hits low-income and minority communities the hardest, making it virtually impossible for millions of families to stay healthy, pursue higher education, maintain steady employment, or achieve financial stability. This resolution recognizes the urgency of addressing the housing crisis in America and affirms a commitment to advancing federal legislation to support rental assistance and housing development so that every American family has a safe, affordable place to call home.”

The United States faces an estimated shortage of over 7 million affordable homes for extremely low-income renters and over 12 million spend more than 50 percent of their income on rent, often sacrificing food, health care, or transportation as a result. 

Since 2020, rents have increased by more than 35%, while median incomes have not kept pace, fueling record-high homelessness and housing instability. Black households are substantially less likely to own a home than white households – 44% homeownership rate for Blacks versus 72% for whites – and the Black homeownership rate remains lower than in the year 2000.

Text of the resolution is available here.

Brown’s resolution is endorsed by: the National Affordable Housing Management Association, the Fair Housing Center for Rights and Research, Northwest Neighbohoods, Providence House, University Settlement, and Loretta's Helping Hands.

On Saturday, Congresswoman Brown hosted her second annual OH-11 Housing Expo & Conference in Warrensville Heights. The event brought together dozens of federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofits, utilities, and financial institutions to connect residents with housing resources and expert guidance. Over 250 Ohioans attended this event, which also included remarks from Congresswoman Brown and a panel discussion. Youtube Video: Remarks and Panel Discussion.