Bill > HR7152

This bill, titled the "Yes in God's Backyard Act," aims to increase the availability of affordable rental housing by providing technical assistance and grants to faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and local governments. Affordable rental housing is defined as housing where the monthly rent does not exceed 30% of a household's income, with "covered households" being those with incomes at or below 100% of the area median income. The bill establishes a technical assistance program to help these entities understand how to develop or preserve affordable rental housing on their properties, including housing for low-income families, those experiencing homelessness or at risk of it, individuals with disabilities, and other special needs populations. It also authorizes appropriations for this program, with $25 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million annually from 2027 to 2031. Additionally, a Challenge Grant program is created to award grants to eligible entities, such as local governments, that implement policies to remove barriers to affordable rental housing development on property owned by faith-based organizations and higher education institutions. These grants can be used for assessing and removing local policy barriers, providing outreach and technical assistance, and making loans or grants for housing projects, with a preference given to projects serving low-income families, those experiencing homelessness, or individuals with disabilities. The Challenge Grant program is authorized to receive $50 million annually from 2026 through 2031, with a portion reserved for administrative costs.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7152/all-info