Housing to Homes Act of 2025
Summary
The Housing to Homes Act of 2025 amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to include furniture banks as eligible activities under the Continuum of Care Program. It allows for payments to furniture banks for providing household furnishings to homeless individuals and families, including delivery, installation, and assembly. The Act also mandates reports on the impact of these payments and on furniture poverty in the United States.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase access to essential household furnishings for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It also establishes a framework for assessing and addressing furniture poverty through regular reporting. The act is set to expire 5 years after enactment.
Potential Benefits
- Provides essential household furnishings to homeless individuals and families.
- Supports furniture banks and their operations.
- Aids in preventing the reentry of individuals and families into homelessness.
- Increases stability and well-being for those transitioning into permanent housing.
- Generates data and insights into furniture poverty in the U.S.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse or fraud in the distribution of funds to furniture banks.
- Limited scope, as it focuses solely on furniture and does not address other needs of homeless individuals.
- The Act is set to expire after 5 years, which may create uncertainty for furniture banks and beneficiaries.
- The reporting requirements may place an additional burden on the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Possible administrative costs associated with implementing and overseeing the program.
Constitutional Alignment
The Housing to Homes Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to provide assistance to vulnerable populations. Specifically, the Act falls under the purview of Congress's power to appropriate funds for programs that promote the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).