WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today announced his support for the Housing for Homeless Students Act of 2014, a bipartisan bill that would close a problematic loophole that can force homeless or previously homeless students – including veterans – to choose between furthering their education and having a roof over their head.

“One of the best avenues for homeless youth and veterans to get back on track is a good education,” said Senator King. “Our current polices often force people who have faced homelessness to make the impossible choice between advancing their education and having a place to rest their head at night – and that just isn’t right. This bill would enable these students to qualify for critical affordable housing, and I’m proud to give it my full support.”

Developers that build or rehabilitate low-income rental housing units qualify for a tax credit through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program. While this program has helped build properties used to house individuals and families who are homeless or have been homeless, current law prevents tenants from being full-time students.

This “student rule” was originally put in place under the assumption that students often have temporarily low incomes and should not receive resources ahead of people with more serious and long-term needs. However, no exemption exists for homeless students, meaning that many young people and veterans with a history of homelessness may lose access to low-income housing if they go to school full-time.

The Housing for Homeless Students Act of 2014 would fix this problem by allowing full-time students who experience or have recently experienced homelessness to qualify for affordable rental housing through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit.

Senators Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) are the lead cosponsors of the Housing for Homeless Students Act of 2014. A summary of the bipartisan bill is available HERE.

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