Nydia M. Velazquez: “my amendment will increase funding for the YouthBuild program by $10 million. We are in the midst of an affordable…”

“my amendment will increase funding for the YouthBuild program by $10 million. We are in the midst of an affordable housing crisis in this country. One of our most basic needs is to increase access to safe, affordable housing. That is why I am so concerned about the significant underfunding of so many of our most vital housing programs. Not only do many of our communities face a shortage of housing stock, but much of what is currently available is in disrepair and cannot be lived in. That is where YouthBuild comes in. This program involves young people in meaningful work in their communities, constructing or rehabilitating much-needed homes for homeless and low-income people. Projects range from rehabilitating 10-unit buildings to constructing new single-family homes. Finished buildings are rented as affordable housing. Sometimes they represent opportunities for low-income community residents to buy their first homes. As a result, housing that is substandard is transformed into attractive homes in communities where there is a critical need for housing. As my colleagues are aware, the YouthBuild program provides grants on a competitive basis to nonprofit organizations to assist high-risk youth between the ages of 16 to 24 to learn housing construction job skills and to complete their high school education. What is more, program participants enhance their skills as they construct or rehabilitate affordable housing for low- and moderate-income persons.”