Rep. Carney announces Housing Asst. Reform Act

An affordable housing program already available in Delaware may expand to other parts of the U.S.

U.S. representative John Carney announced the Housing Assistance Reform Act on Tuesday, which would bring the number of agencies participating in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (“HUD”) Working To Move program from 39 to 60. In exchange for working at least 20 hours a week, it will have participating agencies like the Delaware State Housing Authority to help partially pay for a low-income family’s housing obligations for five years, along with setting them up with case managers.

The program has reportedly helped over 800 families in Delaware alone, including Kent County resident Rhianna Turner. The mother of three is now a proud owner of a Magnolia home but she says she did experience a tough time back in 2005.

“I had been laid off, was collecting unemployment. I was having a hard time paying my rent so I went ahead and applied.” Explained Turner.

Representative Carney says he wants more American families in need of help to take of advantage of the program, but he admits the proposal to expand the assistance may not have universal support, particularly from HUD.

“They may feel like that although it is a requirement, that you can’t reduce the number of people that you are serving or that people won’t be served as well as otherwise would be.” He says.

47 ABC reached out to HUD officials on Tuesday, who say they do have a comment at this time.

Folks like Rhianna say they hope the program does expand, so that more families can create a life with a home over their heads.

“Owning, I mean, it’s just…it’s just wonderful, you know?” Says Turner. “I’m not throwing away my money to rent every month. It’s going to my home.”

Another part of this bill includes lifting the unit cap eligible for the Rental Assistance Demonstration (“RAD”) program. RAD allows authorities to use public and private debt in order to re-invest in public housing.

Represenative Carney is expected to formally introduce the bill Wednesday.