Peterborough, NH –Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) hosted a roundtable discussion with housing advocates, community planners, and other local leaders to discuss how Congress and the local community can better support housing needs in New Hampshire and across the country.

A strong advocate for affordable housing, Kuster announced legislation she is developing to help address the challenges facing residents receiving rental assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development program.

“In New Hampshire and all across the country, affordable housing is an essential part of our community,” Kuster said. “It not only provides our friends and neighbors a place to live and raise their families, but it serves as the foundation for economic development.  The stories I heard during today’s roundtable truly illustrate how affordable housing can help our hardworking families get ahead, but without federal funds, many of these programs are threatened and these families’ livelihoods are put in jeopardy. I am proud to be working on legislation that will help support rural housing programs, and I urge my colleagues in Congress to come together and support federal affordable housing programs across the board.” 

Kuster was joined at the roundtable by representatives from USDA-Rural Development, the N.H. Housing Finance Authority, Housing Action NH, the towns of Peterborough, Jaffrey and Milford, and other local and state agencies. 

During the discussion, participants shared their thoughts on Kuster’s legislation, which would ensure that certain residents receiving USDA rural housing assistance are able to maintain rental assistance even if the mortgage on the property in which they live matures.  They also discussed additional steps Congress and local communities can take to help expand affordable housing resources.

Since taking office, Kuster has held a series of roundtables throughout the state with housing advocates and providers, among others, to hear directly from them about how Congress can best serve their needs. 

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