Rental Assistance and Advancing Innovative Underwriting Practices

WHEREAS, Based on a 2023 article from Source NM, the United States is facing a growing housing affordability crisis, with millions struggling to afford safe and stable housing, exacerbated by stagnant wages and rising housing costs; and 

WHEREAS, Rental assistance programs play a crucial role in preventing homelessness and providing support to low-income households, yet access to these programs remains limited, with only a fraction of eligible households receiving assistance due to funding constraints and administrative barriers; and 

WHEREAS, The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University states, "marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, are disproportionately impacted by the lack of affordable housing and face higher rates of housing cost burden, eviction, and homelessness compared to their white counterparts;" and 

WHEREAS, Traditional underwriting practices for rental housing often rely on narrow criteria such as credit scores and income thresholds, which can perpetuate systemic inequalities and exclude marginalized individuals and communities from accessing housing opportunities; and 

WHEREAS, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) call for innovation within underwriting practices and the removal of credit score rating from the underwriting process, therefore considering alternative data sources and assessing rental payment history, holds the potential to expand access to affordable housing for underserved populations and promote greater equity in the rental market. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP demands policymakers prioritize the expansion of rental assistance programs and the allocation of sufficient funding to ensure that all eligible households have access to affordable housing and support services. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP demands housing agencies and stakeholders collaborate to develop and implement innovative underwriting practices that promote fair and inclusive access to rental housing including encouraging HUD to set a cap on the percentage landlords can increase rent rates, mandate that all states landlords must accept Section 8 housing vouchers. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP demands research and data collection efforts be increased to document disparities in housing affordability and rental assistance access.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls for student debt loan obligations to be removed from debt-to-income rations which serve as a significant barrier for millions of Americans seeking home ownership. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the NAACP calls that drastic action be taken to address systemic barriers to housing access and affordability, including discriminatory practices in the rental market and the legacy of housing segregation, through targeted policies, investments, and community partnerships aimed at advancing housing equity and social justice for all.