Housing - Homelessness

"The lack of safe, affordable housing requires a renewed commitment to increase the supply of quality housing and to preserve, maintain, and improve existing housing through public/private partnerships, especially with religious groups and community organizations.”
--USCCB, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, 2011

What's New?

Letter to Congress on FY 2018 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Sr. Donna Markham
July 12, 2017

Current Advocacy Position

The Catholic bishops believe decent, safe, and affordable housing is a human right. Catholic teaching supports the right to private property, but recognizes that communities and the government have an obligation to ensure the housing needs of all are met, especially poor and vulnerable people and their families. At a time of rising homelessness and when many workers' wages are stagnant and living expenses are rising, it is important to ensure housing security.

Legislative Documents, Letters, and Statements

Letter to Congress on FY 2018 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Sr. Donna Markham
July 12, 2017

Letters to Congress on FY 2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham
March 4, 2016

Letters to Congress on FY 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham
March 18, 2015

Letters to Congress on the National Housing Trust Fund
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham
March 17, 2015

Letter to Congress on the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF)
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski
May 2, 2014

Letter to House on FY 2013 Appropriations for Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire
June 26, 2012

Letter to House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development on FY 2013
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire
April 4, 2012

Letter to House Financial Services Committee on Public Housing Changes
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire
March 7, 2012

Letter to Congress on Cuts to Affordable Housing
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire
October 20, 2011

Letter to House Committee on Financial Services Regarding Elimination of the National Housing Trust Fund
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire
July 11, 2011

Letter to Senate on Capitalization for the National Housing Trust Fund
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire
December 10, 2010

Letter to Congress on Housing Sections 202 and 811 (Housing for Elderly and People with Disabilities)
Bishop William F. Murphy
April 21, 2010

Letter to Senate on Housing Trust Fund and Unemployment Insurance
Bishop William Murphy
March 5, 2010

For information prior to 2010, see our housing archives.

Primers, Backgrounders, and Educational Materials

Background: Affordable Housing and the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF)
February 2011

Background: Foreclosure
February 2011