H.R. 6477: Housing to Homes Act of 2025

The Housing to Homes Act of 2025 proposes amendments to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, focusing specifically on enhancing support for homeless individuals and families through the provision of household furnishings. The bill adds new definitions and financial provisions related to 'furniture banks', which are organizations that provide essential household items at low or no cost to those in need.

Key Provisions

• Definition of Furniture Bank: The bill defines a furniture bank as a registered charity, nonprofit organization, or social enterprise that supplies essential household furnishings to individuals and families in need, including the homeless.
• Payment for Furnishings: The legislation allows for payment to furniture banks for the costs associated with delivering, installing, and assembling household furnishings for individuals and families who:
  • are currently homeless,
  • were homeless within the last six months and are in permanent housing, or
  • were homeless and are residing in permanent supportive housing.
• Ownership Rights: Any household furnishings provided will become the sole property of the individual or family receiving them.
• Reporting Requirement: Within three years of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is required to submit a report to Congress evaluating the impact of financial support for furniture banks on homeless individuals and families.

Assessing Furniture Poverty

• Annual Reports: Starting three years after enactment, HUD must publish an annual report on 'furniture poverty' in the U.S. This report will:
  • Provide statistics on the number of Americans experiencing poverty,
  • Examine how furniture poverty affects the likelihood of homelessness recurrence, and
  • Evaluate how financial support to furniture banks impacts furniture poverty levels.
• Definition of Furniture Poverty: The legislation defines 'furniture poverty' as the inability to afford or access essential household furniture and goods that are important for maintaining a safe and functional home.

Duration and Repeal of the Act

The provisions in this act will be repealed five years after its enactment date, meaning that its effects will be temporary and subject to reassessment after the initial five-year period.

Relevant Companies

• None found