Congressman Lynch Hosts Congressional Public Housing Caucus Federal Affordable and Public Housing Forum
(Brockton, Massachusetts) On Wednesday, June 18th, U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) hosted a Congressional Public Housing Caucus forum on federal affordable and public housing with Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Representative Ayanna Presley (MA-07), Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan in Brockton, MA. The forum was held at Massasoit Community College and brought together over 200 local and national housing organizations to discuss public housing challenges in MA and across the country.
“From New England to the Heartland, American families in every community are struggling with our national housing affordability crisis, which is why we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to lower costs,” said Congressman Cleaver. “As we work to defend federal housing programs from short-sighted and counterproductive cuts, I’m grateful to my Congressional Public Housing Caucus co-chair, Congressman Lynch, for hosting this critically important public conversation. I look forward to discussing the steps government can take – at the local, state, and federal level – to expand affordable housing production, strengthen public housing, and lower housing costs for Americans nationwide.”
“As proud products of public housing, Rep. Cleaver and I established this Caucus to work with local leaders, Non-Profit organizations, community advocates, and the business community to help address a national housing crisis that includes a shortage of more than 7 million affordable homes for America’s working families.” said Congressman Lynch. “We will continue to advocate for immediate federal action to increase funding for public housing, preserve and modernize existing housing, expand rental assistance, and advance other urgent priorities in this area. Special thanks to all who participated and attended, and for all you do on behalf of our communities.”
During the forum, presenters from housing organizations discussed the importance of public housing investments and actions they recommend Congress take to support public housing. The forum will feature a panel that discusses the context of the current environment for renters and federal housing program. Speakers included:
- Moderated by: Joe Kriesberg, CEO, MassINC
- Gilbert Winn, CEO, WinnCompanies
- Robert Corley, CEO, NeighborWorks Housing Solutions
- Susan Chu, Director of Real Estate, Dorchester Bay Economic Development
- Joseph Goncalves, Principal, New Vision Enterprise
A second panel discussed the current challenges, successes and need for federal action in public housing. Speakers included:
- Moderated by: Rachel Heller, CEO, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association
- Thomas Thibeault, Executive Director, Brockton Housing Authority
- Aaron Gornstein, President and CEO, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH)
- Sarah Byrnes, Executive Director, Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants
Over 100 organizations will participate in the forum to help identify action steps that can be taken at the federal level to support affordable housing and public housing production and policy.
Click here to watch a recording of the event.