WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) welcomed $23,347,272 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support affordable housing for vulnerable Granite Staters. The funding supports a range of housing needs in New Hampshire, from addressing housing insecurity created by the pandemic to expanding options for quality shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness or recovering from substance misuse.

“Skyrocketing housing prices and dwindling stock of affordable housing units continue to be a top concern I hear from Granite Staters. Expanding access to quality housing has been particularly critical during the pandemic, which severely exacerbated housing insecurity across the state. Housing needs are especially dire for Granite Staters struggling with other crises, like homelessness or substance misuse, which have been surging across the state and nation,” said Senator Shaheen. “These grants totaling $23 million will make a real difference in providing secure, stable and affordable housing for families who need it. I will continue to fight for funding and resources to ensure every Granite Stater has a roof over their heads.”

“Expanding housing access in New Hampshire will help both families and small businesses thrive, and the lack of affordable housing in New Hampshire has hamstrung our communities. This federal funding will support building new housing and creating affordable rental and homeownership opportunities for Granite Staters. We must do more though to address New Hampshire’s housing crisis, and I will keep working to secure additional funding for expanding housing options in our state,” said Senator Hassan.

“Access to affordable, quality housing is essential to our state’s continued economic growth, and I am pleased to see these federal funds heading to New Hampshire to bolster the housing supply for low-and middle-income families,” said Representative Annie Kuster. “Importantly, these funds will also help those who are in recovery from addiction secure a safe place to live while they get back on their feet. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that these resources will have on our communities and I will continue working to ensure every Granite Stater has a safe place to call home.”

“COVID-19 exacerbated the affordable housing crisis in our state and disproportionately affected our more vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals and those suffering from addiction,” said Representative Chris Pappas. “These grants are being delivered at a critical time as communities recover from the pandemic. I’ll keep fighting to secure vital funds like these to ensure every Granite Stater has access to affordable housing.”

Shaheen and Hassan have fought to protect New Hampshire homeowners and renters left vulnerable by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Shaheen and Hassan-backed American Rescue Plan, passed in March 2021, included nearly $50 billion for housing, including support for vulnerable renters and homeowners. This is in addition to the emergency COVID-19 relief legislation, supported by Shaheen and Hassan and signed into law in December, which provided $25 billion in emergency rental assistance.

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