Build Housing with Care Act of 2023
The bill directly addresses the pressing challenges faced by low-income families, particularly those residing in public housing, by enabling the construction or renovation of facilities that integrate child care centers with housing units. It allocates a significant funding commitment of $100 million annually from 2023 to 2028 to support the establishment of these facilities. The bill also sets out criteria for priority funding, focusing on initiatives that will serve residents in child care deserts and low-income communities, ensuring that the most impacted areas receive targeted assistance.
House Bill 3207, also known as the Build Housing with Care Act of 2023, aims to tackle the dual crises in accessing affordable housing and child care by establishing a competitive grant program. This program is intended to promote the co-location of housing and child care facilities, thereby expanding access to both essential services simultaneously. By integrating child care services into housing developments, the bill seeks to reduce the burden on families who struggle to find affordable child care while managing their housing needs. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will be responsible for administering these grants to eligible entities including nonprofits, government agencies, and housing developers.
One of the central points of contention surrounding HB 3207 is the concern regarding the effective use of federal funds and the management of co-location facilities. Critics worry about the potential bureaucratic difficulties and overhead costs associated with administering a new grant program, particularly in ensuring that funds are influencing positive outcomes for residents. Supporters argue that by creating systemic links between housing stability and child care accessibility, the bill has the potential to foster substantial improvements in community well-being for low-income families. Moreover, there are discussions around necessary state and local regulatory compliance, which could influence the efficacy of the program in achieving its goals.