Legislation Would Help Grandparents Raising Children Access Safe, Affordable, Age-Appropriate Housing

Video (YouTube) | Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02) applauded the House passage of their legislation, the Grandfamily Housing Act. The bill would create a nationwide pilot program to provide funding to help grandparents raising their grandchildren access safe, affordable and appropriate housing. The legislation will now move to the U.S. Senate.

“When we say ‘it takes a village,’ we must recognize the contributions of grandparents raising their grandchildren and provide them with the resources and support they need to support their multigenerational families,” said the representatives in a joint statement. “Every child deserves a safe, stable environment to grow and thrive in, and through this bill, we can provide grandparents with the necessary resources to navigate the complexities of raising a grandchild and create a place to call home. We are proud to see this bill moving forward and closer to making that a reality.”

The Grandfamily Housing Act establishes a new nationwide pilot program to modify appropriate housing and fund residential coordinators to help grandparents navigate the complexities of raising a grandchild. Specifically, the bill helps nonprofits and local housing authorities provide a safe living space for grandfamilies; helps housing providers employ a Grandfamily Resident Service Coordinator; builds a stable environment for grandchildren; and finances the upkeep of grandfamily housing and communal spaces.

Rep. Pressley spoke in favor of the Grandfamily Housing Act during the Financial Services Committee’s markup of the legislation and prior to the bill’s passage out of committee. Full video of her remarks is available here. 

Reps. Pressley and McGovern first introduced the Grandfamily Housing Act in December 2019. It was later reintroduced in May 2021.

The Grandfamily Housing Act is endorsed by the following major national advocacy groups that support grandparents raising grandchildren: The National Council on Aging, Generations United, the Massachusetts Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and LeadingAge.

The legislation was passed by the House Financial Services Committee last month and passed the full House as a part of the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

###