2025 House Resolution 109

Whereas, All people should have access to safe, healthy, and affordable homes within communities that provide opportunity; and

Whereas, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines affordable housing as “housing on which the occupant is paying no more than 30 percent of gross income for housing costs, including utilities”; and

Whereas, Michigan has a shortage of nearly 150,000 housing units which impacts people across all walks of life – rural and urban - including the at-risk community and families with young children who are struggling with rising costs; and

Whereas, Studies have found that each $100 increase in median rent results in a 15 percent increase in homelessness in metro areas and a 39 percent increase in homelessness in nearby suburbs and rural areas; and

Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many existing financial constraints for low- and moderate-income households; and

Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize safe, healthy, and affordable housing within communities of opportunity as key social determinants of health; and

Whereas, Everyone benefits from affordable housing, including the people who reside in these properties, their neighbors, businesses, employers, and the community as a whole; and

Whereas: United to raise public awareness, people, organizations, and communities throughout the state of Michigan are participating in local Affordable Housing Week activities to elevate the critical need to create healthy communities with ample affordable housing; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 19-23, 2025, as, Affordable Housing Week in the state of Michigan. We commit to actions and efforts to ensure Michigan residents can live with dignity in safe, healthy, and affordable homes.