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?

News Release: Bishop Chairmen Affirm Right to Shelter for All, Commend Improvements to HUD Rule
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Bishop David A. Konderla, September 11, 2020

Weakened Fair Housing Rule Fails to Promote Dignity of Human Person
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Charities USA filed comments in March 2020 on HUD’s proposed changes to the AFFH rule.

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. In 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

Latest Information 

News Release: Bishop Chairmen Affirm Right to Shelter for All, Commend Improvements to HUD Rule
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Bishop David A. Konderla, September 11, 2020

Weakened Fair Housing Rule Fails to Promote Dignity of Human Person
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Charities USA filed comments in March 2020 on HUD’s proposed changes to the AFFH rule.

Public Comment Regarding Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Concerning Eligibility for Covered Housing Assistance Programs
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, and Catholic Health Association, July 2, 2019

Backgrounder: Mixed-Status Families and Eligibility for Certain HUD Housing Programs: What You Need to Know About HUD's Proposed Rule
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, and Catholic Health Association, July 2, 2019

Letter to Congress on FY2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriation Bill
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Sr. Donna Markham, May 13, 2019

Primers, Backgrounders, and Educational Materials 

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