Children’s HealthWatch published a new policy brief on the consequences of cutting funding for subsidized housing.

Funding Shortfalls for Housing Vouchers Could Have Serious Health Consequences for Children

Children’s HealthWatch finds that unaffordable housing endangers the health and development of young children.  Due to a federal funding shortfall, state and local housing agencies will be forced to reduce or eliminate rental assitance to thousands of families starting this month. Voucher cuts will push more families into the ranks of the “hidden homeless” — families that move frequently, crowd into apartments that are too small, or live doubled up with other households when they cannot find affordable housing.  Children in hidden homeless families are at increased risk for poor health, nutrition, and growth, as well as developmental delays.  Timely Congressional action to protect the Housing Choice Voucher Program will ensure that families have stable, affordable housing essential to children’s health.