Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed Build Back Better Act, a $1.75 trillion economic recovery package that includes great news for ROCs: a new $500 million Manufactured Housing Improvement Grant program.
The nearly 20,000 families who live in ROCs across the country are thankful to the House as now they’re another step closer to resources to help them keep their homes and communities safe, healthy, and sustainable. This legislation represents enduring change and investment in current and future generations.
The action now formally shifts to the Senate, where no vote is expected until after Thanksgiving.
Manufactured home communities have become an essential source of unsubsidized affordable housing. More than 75% of owners of manufactured homes are low-income. In the cooperatively owned communities with which ROC USA works, a near majority is very low-income, earning less than 50% of Area Median Income.
“This legislation is poised to dramatically improve the health, safety and security of so many of our friends and neighbors whose neighborhoods haven’t always received the care and upkeep they need,” said ROC USA President Paul Bradley on Friday. “Without these basic necessities to worry about, ROCs will be able to more easily provide permanently inclusive, affordable neighborhoods for their families and neighbors to thrive.”