Policy Priorities

Each year NCH sets public policy priorities for its ongoing work with lawmakers, advocates and provides alike. The priorities are set using feedback from people experiencing homelessness, national and local advocacy organizations, domestic federal agencies and lawmakers.

2019 Priorities:

1. Preserving the civil rights of people who are unhoused.

   • See the #HousingNotHandcuffs Campaign, and our work around Criminalization, Homeless Bills of Rights, and Hate Crimes against the homeless
   • Support Congresswoman Alma Adams’ H.J.Res. 54: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution recognizing and securing the fundamental right to life, liberty, and property, which includes housing, health care, education and nutrition.

2. Increase Non-Defense Discretionary Budget.

   • Increase appropriations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for homeless and housing programs
   • Finding permanent funding sources for the creation of affordable housing
   • Re-invest in Public Housing (making sure Capital Improvements are met)
   • Support Congresswoman Maxine Waters H.R. 1856: The Ending Homelessness Act of 2019

3. Advocate for more appropriate use of HUD COC homeless dollars.

   • Advocate for a more expansive and a singular definition on how we define homelessness
   • Advocate for communities to have more control on how they spend their Continuum of Care dollars

4. Increase Disaster Relief Funding.

   • Ensure that people who are experiencing homelessness prior to a disaster are able to still receive assistance after the disaster and during recovery