Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, sent a letter to Chairman French Hill (R-AR) urging him to join her in requesting that the House Appropriations Committee renew funding for existing Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill. The letter was prompted by a recent notice to Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) announcing that EHV funding — originally expected to last through 2030 — has been fully exhausted.

In the letter, Congresswoman Waters underscores how the EHV program that she secured $5 billion through the American Rescue Plan Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a lifeline for 71,000 families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, as well as survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. However, due to the program’s success rates, growing demand, and rapidly rising market rents, the allocated funds were spent much faster than anticipated. The Congresswoman goes on to warn that failing to continue this vital funding for over 59,000 families would exacerbate the national housing and homelessness crisis.

“The success of EHVs in helping to end homelessness for tens of thousands of households cannot be overstated and, in addition to building more affordable housing, are an effective tool to combat homelessness. I hope that you will consider this urgent request to keep over 59,000 families housed through the EHV Program,” said the Congresswoman. 

Just last week, Congresswoman Waters testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development to highlight the urgent need to fund housing programs, including EHVs. 

See the letter here.

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