Young introduces bill to boost housing mobility vouchers, give families increased access to affordable housing

Submitted by Office of U.S. Senator Todd Young

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) reintroduced the Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act, legislation to create 250,000 housing mobility vouchers for the nation’s most vulnerable families with young children.

The bill couples rental assistance vouchers, which allow families to choose eligible privately owned housing units and pay rent equal to 30 percent of their income, with evidence-based mobility support services, such as housing counselors and landlord coordination, to help families find affordable housing in high-opportunity areas.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable home and reach their full potential,” said Senator Young. “Research has shown that children who move from high-poverty areas to neighborhoods with greater opportunity at a young age can see significantly higher earnings later in life. Our legislation will give families facing homelessness and housing instability more choices about where they live, helping more children access strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and opportunities to succeed.”

Research shows that higher opportunity areas offer children a greater chance to succeed. The bill builds on this cutting-edge policy research to help families overcome barriers to opportunity and achieve generational economic mobility. In the Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations package, Senators Young and Van Hollen secured the authorization and funding of their Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration Act. The Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act would build upon their previous efforts by expanding this legislation – providing increased funds and making 250,000 more vouchers available over the next five years.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.