THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

21

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

  

STATE OF HAWAII

  
   

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

urging federal housing assistance for grandparent-HEADED and relative-HEADED households.

 

WHEREAS, the 2000 U.S. Census revealed that nationally there are 4.5 million children under the age of eighteen living in grandparent-headed households, and another 1.5 million children under eighteen living in other relative-headed households; and

WHEREAS, in Hawaii, there are 38,051 children living in grandparent-headed households (12.9% of all the children in the State), and another 9,920 children living in households headed by other relatives (3.4% of all the children in the State); and

WHEREAS, according to a study commissioned by Generations United, a national coalition dedicated to intergenerational policies, programs, and issues:

(1) Twenty-six per cent of grandparent caregivers are renters;

(2) Of those living below poverty level, over 40% spend at least half their income on rent;

(3) Sixty per cent living below the poverty line are not receiving any federal housing subsidies;

(4) Of those grandparent caregivers who receive housing subsidies, 20% lived in overcrowded quarters versus 37% of those without subsidies; and

(5) More than 25% of grandparent caregivers live in overcrowded quarters; and

WHEREAS, the above statistics indicate that there is a need for decent and affordable housing for grandparents and other relatives who have taken minor family members into their households; and

WHEREAS, the American Dream Downpayment Act became law in December 2003 (P.L. 108-186); and

WHEREAS, Part II of the Act establishes a five-year demonstration program to provide assistance to expand the supply of intergenerational dwelling units under HUD's section 202 program, requires training for HUD personnel on grandparent-headed and relative-headed family issues, and authorizes a study of the housing needs of grandparent-headed and relative-headed families; and

WHEREAS, Congress should continue to address the issue of affordable intergenerational housing and consider additional legislation that promotes the unification and preservation of family units; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Congress of the United States is requested to continue to review the issue of affordable and adequate intergenerational housing, including housing for grandparent-headed and relative-headed households, and to consider further legislation increasing the availability thereof; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and members of Hawaii's congressional delegation.

 

 
 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Intergenerational Housing