Bill Overview
Title: Prevent Homelessness Act of 2022
Description: 2022 This bill establishes the Housing Stabilization Fund to provide annual grants for nonprofit organizations and state and local governments that assist homeless individuals and families through the Continuum of Care Program. Grants must be used to provide emergency housing assistance for extremely low-income families.
Sponsors: Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33]
Target Audience
Population: Extremely low-income individuals and families
Estimated Size: 7800000
- The bill establishes funding for nonprofit organizations and state/local governments, which means it aims to assist entities that support homeless individuals and families.
- The specific target group for this funding and assistance is extremely low-income families, which are typically at high risk of becoming homeless.
- Statistically, extremely low-income households, roughly categorized as those earning less than 30% of an area's median income, are most vulnerable to homelessness.
- Globally, extreme low-income populations exist, and the risk of homelessness is heightened in areas with scarce affordable housing.
Reasoning
- The target population most likely to be impacted are extremely low-income families, especially those at risk of becoming homeless.
- Given the large budget constraints, not all eligible families may receive assistance immediately.
- The Cantril Wellbeing Scale, ranging from 0 to 10, is used to evaluate subjective life satisfaction and is a valuable tool for assessing policy impact.
- Consideration of the policy's reach and the socioeconomic diversity of the U.S. necessitates including individuals who are not impacted by the funding.
- Some individuals will benefit significantly, while others may experience marginal or no changes in wellbeing due to indirect effects or systemic factors.
Simulated Interviews
Single Mother (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy would be a lifesaver. Housing assistance would allow me to find stable housing for my children and me, which could significantly improve our quality of life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Factory Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act could prevent us from getting evicted again. My main worry is keeping a roof over our heads, so any help is hugely beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Part-Time Retail Worker (New York, NY)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Help with rent would greatly relieve the mental stress I constantly endure. It might mean not having to choose between medication and rent.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If I could get assistance with stable housing, I might finally be able to focus better on my studies and mental health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy would ease some financial stress, allowing me to manage healthcare needs more effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Cook (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With concrete support, I could save a bit more and ensure stable meals for my kids.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Bartender (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about the potential increments in housing security this policy could offer people like me, though I'm not certain I qualify.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Freelancer (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stable housing could be a game-changer for me and my child. Being able to rely on housing support would significantly improve our life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Entry-Level Technician (Denver, CO)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this policy directly affects me now, but it could be crucial if I face housing problems in the future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Library Assistant (Boston, MA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the policy as crucial for community wellbeing, though my life won't change drastically.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $2000000000)
Year 2: $1500000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $2000000000)
Year 3: $1500000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $2000000000)
Year 5: $1500000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $2100000000)
Year 10: $1550000000 (Low: $1150000000, High: $2150000000)
Year 100: $2000000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2500000000)
Key Considerations
- The extent and timely availability of funding to nonprofit organizations crucially impacts the success of this bill.
- Coordination with existing housing and homelessness services to maximize efficiency and reach.
- Monitoring inflation and housing market dynamics to adjust funding needs appropriately.