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Susan stands with volunteers from Rebuilding Together in front of a home they upgraded in Golden Hill.

On the Issues

Housing

As the housing crisis continues to threaten communities throughout the nation, Susan has advocated for federal action to help individuals and families cope.

Mortgages and Foreclosures

Thousands of homeowners locally and across the nation have either already lost their homes or face foreclosure as a result of the subprime mortgage crisis and other economic issues.  Susan has supported legislation that would help at-risk homeowners refinance out of their costly adjustable-rate or interest-only mortgages into more affordable fixed-rate loans.  Congress is actively engaged to ensure that these modification programs are efficient and effective.

Congress will continue working to restore accountability by standing up for U.S. taxpayers, protecting consumers and cracking down on mortgage fraud, and building a strong new foundation for the American economy.  In June 2010, the House passed the FHA Reform Act (H.R. 5072) to reinforce the financial footing of the FHA to increase homeownership and strengthen its ability to hold fraudulent lenders accountable.

Affordable Housing

As housing costs and availability have reached crisis levels, Susan has worked to defend affordable housing programs and increase the supply of housing units in San Diego.  Susan has brought thousands of dollars to the region to build housing units in low-income areas and to improve area homeless shelters.  She has been active in the fight to preserve and expand the Section 8 voucher program providing rental assistance to thousands of working families. 

The National Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Since coming to Congress, Susan has been an enthusiastic supporter of legislation on the House floor to bolster the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund.  The fund will construct, preserve, or rehabilitate as many as 1.5 million low-income housing units over the next 10 years.  These housing units will go exclusively to low-income individuals and families. 

Most recently, the House-passed version of H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010, included $1.065 billion for the Housing Trust Fund.  Of this amount, $1 billion would be used for formula grants to states and the remaining $65 million would be used for project-based rental assistance associated with those grants.

Home Ownership

Susan has long advocated for home ownership for San Diego’s families.  She has sponsored numerous bills helping veterans purchase homes after leaving the military.  Last year, the President signed provisions into law from legislation Susan introduced, the Home Ownership for America’s Veterans Act.  The provisions allow veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan to take advantage of the CalVet home loan program.  Susan is pushing for several other improvements to federal law to help all San Diegans achieve home ownership, including higher conforming loan limits and protection for sub-prime buyers.

Housing Resources

If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage and fear foreclosure, there are some people you can turn to for help and advice.  You may also be able to attend housing clinics throughout the region with specialists who can review documents and give one on one advice.

HUD Mortgage Crisis Assistance Line: (800) 569-4287

San Diego Housing Opportunities Collaborative: (619) 282-6647

San Diego Housing Commission: Administers the Section 8 program in the City of San Diego and other housing programs.  619-231-9400

County of San Diego’s Housing & Community Development Department:  Administers the Section 8 program in Coronado, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove an the unincorporated area of San Diego County and other housing programs.  858-694-4801

Cal Vet Home Loan San Diego Office:  Home financing services for qualified veterans.  619-525-3700

San Diego Housing Federation:  Non-profit organization that provides information on local affordable housing.  619-239-6693