Congressman Adam Smith

Representing the 9th District of Washington

Housing

As our nation recovers from the 2008 economic crisis, a necessary step in continuing to improve our economy is shoring up our housing markets. This means expanding opportunities that allow for more Americans to afford homes, while also preventing a reversal to the predatory home mortgage policies of the past. We need to increase investments in Section 8 housing programs and Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers. These types of housing voucher programs have proven to be highly successful in assisting low-income families, the elderly, and homeless veterans find their own housing.

As families continue to recover from the recession and homeowners looking for employment cease to receive emergency unemployment benefits, many individuals and families could see paychecks dwindle and housing situations become jeopardized. We should ensure homeowners have adequate protections and do not lose the home equity they have built over many years. I will work towards a balance between limiting predatory or irresponsible lending, while encouraging lenders to continue to make loans that are fair and free of hidden fees and excessively high interest rates.

It is also essential that we tackle the growing problem of housing insecurity and homelessness in the Ninth District.  Housing and community development are key to citizens' quality of life. We can also keep interest rates low by reducing the federal debt and improve public housing programs to help families find affordable housing.

As our country faces a national homelessness crisis, it is imperative that Congress continue to advocate for comprehensive and long-term solutions to reverse this growing epidemic. With local homeless systems operating at maximum capacity and shelters already strained, persistent economic difficulties and rising addiction trends are leading to more people being left on the streets. Providing support and adequate funding for assistance programs must remain a priority for Congress in order to ensure that all individuals and families who are facing homelessness will have a place to call home. Detailed below are programs and legislation I have supported in order to combat the homelessness crisis.

Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and end Homelessness

To reverse the trend of Americans, including a large number of families and veterans, living on the streets or without secure housing, Congress should adequately fund critical homeless assistance programs.  Opening Doors, which is a comprehensive strategy designed by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, includes nearly $6 billion for federal agencies and grant programs. Congressman Smith has signed on to support its continued funding in FY 2017 which include:

  • Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program
  • Health Care for the Homeless Program
  • Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Program
  • Grants for the Benefit of Homeless individuals (GBHI)
  • Services in Supportive Housing (SSH) Grants
  • The Homeless Veterans’ Program
  • Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for the Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking Program

Forging Partnerships: McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants Programs and the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act: The McKinney-Vento grant programs and the HEARTH Act, provides assistance to identify and fund housing needs and coordinate the federal response to homelessness, while providing resources during emergency situations. I have co-signed a letter in support of full funding of McKinney-Vento Grants and implementation of HEARTH Act.

Treat the Opioid Crisis – The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015 (CARA): I co-sponsored the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) of 2015 because this approach is needed to address the heroin and opioid addiction epidemic which has a profound effect on homelessness. This legislation would implement better prescription drug monitoring, improved law enforcement tactics, and expanded treatment for addicts.

End the Abuse of Our Homeless Youth – The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act: Our homeless youth population is among the most vulnerable to sexual exploitation or abuse. In order to help strengthen child protection services and provide relief, the act provides street outreach, education, counseling, temporary shelter as well as transitional longer-term housing. I strongly support reauthorization of this program.

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More on Housing

Jan 4, 2017 Page

I want to serve my constituents in any way I can. Whether you need help with a federal agency, are trying to find out if federal grants are available for your project, or are considering applying to a service academy, my staff and I are accessible for those who need assistance.

 

Dec 5, 2016 Press Release

“With the nomination of Dr. Ben Carson as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), President-elect Donald Trump has chosen a disturbingly unqualified individual for a key leadership position in his administration. The HUD Secretary has the critical role of building strong, sustainable and inclusive communities that provide access to quality affordable homes for all. Dr. Carson has absolutely no experience to even remotely prepare him for the serious responsibility of leading a federal agency that directly impacts the quality of life of so many Americans.

May 24, 2016 Press Release

Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray joined Reps. DelBene, Jim McDermott, Adam Smith and Dave Reichert in sending a letter to HUD Secretary Julián Castro, following up on their letter from June 2015. The current HCV formula has been particularly damaging in areas with steep increases in rental costs, such as the Puget Sound region. 

Apr 29, 2016 Press Release

“The House Armed Services Committee is maintaining its bipartisan tradition. We worked through a lot of issues throughout the mark-up process, including a number of very controversial provisions. We crafted legislation the way it is supposed to be done. We held productive debates, disagreed, voted, and at the end of the process we passed a very significant piece of legislation.

Apr 7, 2016 Event

Congressman Smith to Host Telephone Town Hall

Ninth District Congressman Adam Smith will host a Tele-Town Hall on Thursday, April 7, 2016.

Apr 5, 2016 Event

Congressman Smith to Host Telephone Town Hall

Ninth District Congressman Adam Smith will host a Tele-Town Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016.

Jan 12, 2016 Press Release

“In his final State of the Union address, President Obama spoke of his leadership out of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. His administration, together with partners in Congress, has advanced policies that grew our economy and created new living-wage jobs. With 14 million new private sector jobs created over the past 70 months, and the longest continued period of private sector job growth in our history, our nation is looking forward to the future with renewed hope.

Nov 17, 2015 Press Release

There is an epidemic of homelessness in our community. This crisis is having a terrible impact on our region and combatting it is critical to addressing inequities in our society. Earlier this month, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and King County Executive Dow Constantine proclaimed a state of emergency to address homelessness.  Any solution to the increasing plight of the homeless in our community must include a focus on the veterans who have risked their lives to protect our freedoms and keep us safe.

Nov 9, 2015 Event

Congressman Smith to Host Town Hall in Seattle

Ninth District Congressman Adam Smith will host a Town Hall on November 9, 2015 in Seattle.  Congressman Smith is looking forward to meeting with constituents and hearing all questions and concerns. 

Who: Congressman Adam Smith

What: Rep. Smith is hosting a Town Hall event where constituents can meet and interact with the Congressman and voice concerns on the issues of the budget, immigration, education, climate change, and more. 

When: Monday, November 9th at 7:00 pm 

Jun 4, 2015 Press Release

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement opposing the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations bill:  

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