Affordable Housing Resident Services Act

This proposal would fund on-site help and programs for people living in federally assisted affordable housing. A federal health agency would award competitive grants each year, with each grant lasting five years. Groups that run affordable housing or provide resident services—and tribes and tribal organizations—could apply, with priority for mission-driven nonprofits. All services would be optional for residents.

Grant funds could pay for a service coordinator and programs that connect residents to health and mental health care; offer tutoring, mentoring, and life-skills classes; boost financial stability and homeownership readiness; help older adults age in place; support people with disabilities to live independently; and assist residents in getting public benefits. At least 25% must go to coordinator pay, benefits, and training, and up to 75% can cover coordinator-led activities. Housing covered includes many federally supported properties, such as homes backed by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit or Section 8.

Grants would be judged on the applicant’s track record, community partnerships (like with health centers), and ability to expand or improve services, with attention to reaching rural and other underserved areas. The program would coordinate with HUD, allow small set-asides for technical help and capacity building, and require yearly public reports on results.

• Who is affected: Residents in federally assisted affordable housing; housing owners/managers and nonprofits that serve them; tribes and tribal organizations.
• What changes: New 5-year grants for on-site, voluntary resident services; required support for service coordinators; clear rules on eligible activities and properties; public reporting on outcomes.
• When: Grants are awarded annually; grantees report results each year.