Urges and requests the Louisiana Housing Corporation to study issues related to the rising number of homeless individuals in Louisiana and the lack of affordable housing and to identify potential funding sources to address these issues
Impact
The resolution aims to address systemic issues of homelessness and affordable housing in Louisiana. With significant data showing a shortage of rental homes available for extremely low-income households, the bill seeks to gather public input and insights from various stakeholders, including homeless service providers. This effort is intended to illuminate the ground realities of homelessness and housing insecurity in Louisiana, thereby informing legislative action that could result in much-needed services and support for affected individuals and families.
Summary
House Resolution 194, introduced by Representative Hughes, calls upon the Louisiana Housing Corporation to investigate the escalating homelessness issues in the state and the scarcity of affordable housing. The bill highlights significant factors contributing to homelessness, such as rising rental prices, inflation, and recent natural disasters which have worsened the financial stability of many Louisianans. Furthermore, it urges an examination of potential funding sources that could help address these pressing issues, with a report due to the House of Representatives and the House Committee on Appropriations before March 1, 2023.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR 194 appears to be largely supportive, as it addresses a critical social issue impacting citizens across the state. The resolution signifies a legislative acknowledgment of the homelessness crisis and the need for systemic solutions. Legislators' collective focus on public hearings and stakeholder input reflects a commitment to collaborative problem-solving, though there may be underlying tensions regarding the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of proposed measures to combat homelessness.
Contention
While HR 194 is positioned as a necessary response to an urgent issue, notable points of contention may arise concerning funding and the efficacy of the Louisiana Housing Corporation in executing the study and implementing solutions. Questions may also be raised about the degree of government intervention required to alleviate homelessness and ensure the availability of affordable housing. The outcomes of the public hearings and additional studies could spark debate regarding the best approaches to tackling these complex issues in the legislative context.
Requests the Senate Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs to convene a study group to assess affordable housing needs in our state and to research best practices and model programs to identify potential recurring revenue streams for the Louisiana Housing Trust.
To urge and request the Senate Committee on Local & Municipal Affairs and the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs to function as a joint committee and convene a study group to assess affordable housing needs in our state and to research best practices and model programs to identify potential recurring revenue streams for the Louisiana Housing Trust.
Urges and requests the La. Housing Corporation to consider emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency characteristics when implementing design criteria for housing developments competing for funding in programs administered by the corporation office and to explore sources of federal funds to retrofit existing buildings with these same design criteria
Urges and requests the La. Housing Corporation to consider emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency characteristics when implementing design criteria for housing developments competing for funding in programs administered by the corporation and to explore sources of federal funds to retrofit existing buildings with these same design criteria
Requests the House Special Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs to study the issue of veteran homelessness and the feasibility and practicability of designating an employee of the Dept. of Veteran Affairs to focus on veteran homelessness
Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to work with other agencies and interest groups to take appropriate action to remove and prevent homeless people from residing within interstate rights of way in the New Orleans metropolitan area