The Frank Melville Supportive Housing
Investment Act of 2008 (H.R. 5772)
The Frank Melville Supportive Housing
Investment Act of 2008 (H.R. 5772) was
introduced to increase the number of housing
units for low income persons with
disabilities.
People with significant disabilities are
facing a severe crisis in accessible and
affordable housing. In recent years, the
average cost of renting a 1 bedroom apartment
exceeded average monthly Supplemental
Security Income payments in the U.S.
The Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) Section 811 Supportive Housing Program
for Persons with Disabilities (Section 811)
is the only federal program that produces
affordable and accessible units for
low-income individuals with disabilities.
Unfortunately, the Section 811 program does
not produce nearly enough units to meet the
growing need.
The Senate will be addressing this issue
along with many others when they return from
the long 4th of July recess.
To find your senators' and representative's
phone numbers, you may use a searchable
online congressional directory or call the
U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121 and
ask for your senators' and/or
representative's office.
Remember that telephone calls are usually
taken by a staff member, not the member of
Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who
handles the issue about which you wish to
comment.