Bill Overview
Title: Housing for Homeless Students Act of 2022
Description: This bill extends eligibility for the low-income housing tax credit to homeless youth and veterans who are full-time students during a specified time period.
Sponsors: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH]
Target Audience
Population: Homeless youth and veterans who are full-time students
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill targets homeless youth and homeless veterans who are full-time students.
- It extends eligibility for the low-income housing tax credit, which is a financial incentive for builders to create affordable housing.
- Homeless youth, particularly those pursuing education full-time, often face barriers to stable housing due to age and income constraints.
- Homeless veterans who are also full-time students may struggle to secure affordable housing due to the challenges in transitioning from military to civilian life and the limitations of GI Bill housing stipends.
Reasoning
- The population targeted by this policy includes homeless youth and veterans who are pursuing education full-time. This subgroup of the homeless population faces unique challenges that combine lack of stable housing with the demands of full-time education. Consequently, the policy is likely to have a significant impact on those who fall within these criteria.
- The low-income housing tax credit extension provides incentives for developers to create housing that is accessible and affordable for this demographic, thus potentially reducing homelessness among students.
- However, given the specificity and budget constraints of the policy, not everyone in the target group will necessarily benefit. The effectiveness of the policy may also be influenced by geographical factors, availability of supportive services, and local housing market conditions.
Simulated Interviews
Full-time student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I try to focus on my studies, but it's so hard without a stable place to call home.
- This policy sounds like it could offer a real sense of security and help me focus better on my education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
Full-time student (New York, NY)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a veteran, I've faced difficulties transitioning back to civilian life. This policy could lessen some of my stresses.
- Affordable housing would allow me to concentrate more on my studies and less on where I'll sleep next.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 1 |
Part-time job, full-time student (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This tax credit might be the difference between staying where I am and moving into a stable apartment.
- It feels like a step in the right direction for veterans who are trying to start anew.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 1 |
Student, working part-time (Chicago, IL)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Getting housing would impact everything, from my ability to study to feeling safe.
- Policies like these are critical for students like me who have nowhere to go.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If I could secure housing, it would mean more time and energy for schoolwork rather than survival.
- The promise of stable housing would transform my everyday life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 1 |
Veteran, student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's been a struggle juggling health, school, and a lack of stable housing.
- Programs like these can significantly ease the burden by providing affordable housing options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Student, works evenings (Denver, CO)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Affordable housing would make life much easier and reduce the time I spend worrying.
- I'd be able to focus more on my career goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Student, part-time retail (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Housing stability is something I can only dream about at this point.
- If this policy can help me, it would change everything.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 1 |
Full-time student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often feel like the odds are stacked against me, affordable housing would mean the world.
- The stress of housing instability is a constant battle.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Student, works part-time (Houston, TX)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Affordable housing would mean less reliance on juggling couch-surfing and shared spaces.
- It's hard to maintain school focus when you're worried about where to stay.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $510000000 (Low: $410000000, High: $610000000)
Year 3: $520000000 (Low: $420000000, High: $620000000)
Year 5: $540000000 (Low: $440000000, High: $640000000)
Year 10: $580000000 (Low: $480000000, High: $680000000)
Year 100: $700000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $800000000)
Key Considerations
- Estimating the precise population that will utilize these housing credits remains uncertain given the voluntary nature of housing development and student requirements.
- Monitoring long-term educational and economic outcomes for student beneficiaries will help assess policy success beyond initial housing access.
- Coordination with education providers and veterans' organizations to maximize outreach is essential for policy impact.