Housing

Congressman Jim Costa has been a steadfast advocate for expanding access to affordable housing in the San Joaquin Valley, where many families face rising housing costs, overcrowding, and limited options. Understanding that secure housing is fundamental to achieving the American Dream, Costa has fought to address the unique challenges of both urban and rural communities across the San Joaquin Valley. He has supported increased funding for key federal housing programs like the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which have helped finance the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing developments throughout the region.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Costa took decisive action to prevent families from losing their homes, making rental and housing assistance a top priority in relief bills like the CARES Act, Consolidated Appropriations Act, and the American Rescue Plan. These efforts helped launch Project Homekey, converting motels into permanent housing across California. Costa secured $137.8 million for Fresno, providing homes for over 3,000 homeless individuals through projects like the Econo Inn, Clarion Motel, and Motel 99, and delivered $13.8 million for the Majestic Gardens Hotel in Visalia, along with $500,000 to create ADA-compliant housing for disabled and homeless veterans. To build on these efforts, Costa cosponsored the Hotels to Housing Conversion Act, authorizing $750 million for states and housing authorities to partner with local governments and community organizations to convert hotels, motels, and unused residential properties into emergency shelters.

Costa has been a leading advocate for improving housing in the San Joaquin Valley, especially for farmworkers and rural families who face some of the toughest housing challenges in the country. He has championed USDA Section 514 and 516 programs, securing funding to build and maintain safe, affordable housing for farmworkers who are vital to the Valley’s economy. Costa has also championed the Section 502 Loan Program, helping low-income families in rural communities purchase their first home with low-interest loans, and the Section 523 Self-Help Housing Program, which empowers families to help build their own homes, lowering costs and strengthening communities. From fighting for farmworker housing to expanding homeownership in small towns, Costa is committed to giving every rural family in the Valley a fair chance at a safe place to call home.