"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
Previous Years
2017
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
2016
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
2015
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
2014-2010
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
2010 and earlier
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