Republicans Strip Funding for LGBTQ+ Affordable Housing Development, Prioritize "Homophobia Over Housing"

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley slammed House Republicans for advancing a housing appropriations bill that excluded critical funding for The Pryde, an affordable housing development for LGBTQ+ seniors in the Massachusetts 7th. The Republicans' actions are a "show of contempt" and a display of prioritizing "homophobia over housing, profits over people, cruelty over compassion." The funding was stripped despite The Pryde meeting the requirements for Community Project Funding and addressing the critical need for affordable housing in the district.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republicans' housing appropriations bill excluded critical funding for The Pryde, an affordable housing development for LGBTQ+ seniors in the Massachusetts 7th.
  • The funding was stripped despite Rep. Pressley championing the project in the Community Project Funding process, which met the requirements for funding.
  • The Pryde will support the conversion of a former Boston Public School building into 74 units of high-quality, service-enriched affordable housing for seniors in Boston.
  • The project includes 10,000 square feet of community space and helps close the gap between the capital funding secured and the increasing cost to complete it.
  • The Republicans' actions are a "show of contempt" and demonstrate prioritizing "homophobia over housing, profits over people, cruelty over compassion."
  • One-third of LGBTQ seniors are living in poverty, and many are forced to re-closet themselves in order to age in community in their twilight years.
  • Rep. Pressley has been a vocal advocate for The Pryde and has delivered remarks at its groundbreaking ceremony.
  • The project will support LGBTQ+ seniors in the face of rising mortgages and physical violence experienced by LGBTQ individuals.

Statistics:

  • $825,000 in federal funding was earmarked for The Pryde and was callously removed by the Republican majority on the House Appropriations Committee.
  • Affordable housing for seniors is a critical need in the district, with one-third of LGBTQ seniors living in poverty.
  • 74 units of high-quality, service-enriched affordable housing will be provided by The Pryde project.
  • 10,000 square feet of community space will be included in The Pryde project.

Sources:

  • [Transcript: Pressley Blasts GOP, Affirms Support for The Pryde LGBTQ+ Senior Housing Project in Boston, November 6, 2023]
  • [Statement by Rep. Ayanna Pressley Regarding The Pryde Affordable Housing Development, press release, office of Rep. Ayanna Pressley]
  • [Video: Ayanna Pressley Slams House Republicans for Excluding Funding for The Pryde, November 6, 2023]
  • [Groundbreaking Ceremony for The Pryde Affordable Housing Development, photos and video, office of Rep. Ayanna Pressley]