NH Delegation Welcomes $18 Million to Support Affordable Housing through the American Rescue Plan
(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced that New Hampshire will receive $18 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding through the American Rescue Plan to expand affordable housing and homelessness services. The funding allocated through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is part of a $5 billion commitment to deliver assistance to states and communities to expand access to new affordable housing, rental assistance, supportive services and non-congregate shelter units. A senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Shaheen supported the inclusion of these funds during negotiations for the American Rescue Plan.
The allocation of this new HUD funding is as follows: $2,538,601 for the City of Manchester, $1,618,618 for the City of Nashua and $13,875,514 for the State of New Hampshire to support cities and counties across the state.
“The pandemic severely exacerbated the housing crisis, and families across New Hampshire are still reeling. I’m glad to announce this $18 million to help ease the financial burden for Granite State families that are struggling to make rent and in immediate risk of experiencing homelessness. This funding also makes long-term investments in affordable housing, which is in critically short supply in New Hampshire,” said Shaheen. “As we recover from this challenging year, these investments will help families find relief and security, and also make New Hampshire a more affordable place to call home for years to come.”
“The American Rescue Plan is delivering on its promise to provide critical resources to Granite Staters who are struggling to pay their bills and keep food on the table amid this unprecedented pandemic,” said Hassan. “Access to affordable housing was already an ongoing challenge in our state, and it has only worsened amid this public health and economic crisis. I am glad that this significant federal funding is headed to our state to help more Granite Staters get and stay in safe, stable housing.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of improving access to affordable housing for families and individuals across New Hampshire,” said Kuster. “I was pleased to support this funding as part of the American Rescue Plan, which directly responds to the evolving housing needs in NH, and meets the demands of this moment. While there is a lot of work to be done to ensure every Granite Stater has a safe place to sleep and a roof over their head, these federal funds will provide critical support to bolster economic development, create new opportunities, and foster healthy communities in NH. I was proud to help secure this funding, and will continue working in Congress to ensure our communities have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the existing housing struggles faced by far too many in our state,” said Pappas. “In addition to dealing with a generational health and economic crisis, many of our neighbors still lack a safe, secure place to live. That is why I am pleased to help announce that the American Rescue Plan will be making more than $15 million available to secure affordable housing and services for Granite Staters at risk of experiencing homelessness. I will continue working with the rest of the delegation and the Administration to support our most vulnerable New Hampshire families during these difficult times.”
“New Hampshire is facing a major housing shortage. The supplemental HOME-ARP funds secured by our federal delegation are critical to increasing affordable housing options and providing services to those experiencing housing insecurity here in Manchester,” said Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig.
“Finding homes and offering support and assistance for Nashuans who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, is a high priority for our city,” said Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess. “The pandemic has put a strain on this already tough situation, but thanks to HUD awarding Nashua $1.6 million in funds from the HOME-ARP program, we will have more tools at our disposal to meet the critical needs of Nashua’s most vulnerable populations.”
“This supplemental HUD funding for the state’s HOME investment Partnerships Programs provides important flexible financing to expand affordable housing options in communities throughout New Hampshire. It will also provide critical support services for those who are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. We appreciate the Congressional delegation’s support for this important legislation,” said Dean Christon, New Hampshire Housing’s Executive Director.
The supplemental funding is allocated through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to 651 grantees, including states, insular areas and local governments. The HOME-ARP funding is the first of two affordable housing and homelessness-related funding opportunities from the American Rescue Plan that HUD will release.
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