NACo endorses bipartisan legislation to help volunteer first responders access affordable housing

Key Takeaways

On June 10, Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) reintroduced the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act (S.4737), bipartisan legislation that would help qualified volunteer first responders access affordable housing.  

The legislation would expand access to existing federal housing programs for qualified volunteer emergency responders. Stable, affordable housing can make it easier for volunteer first responders to remain in their communities, preserving a reliable emergency response workforce.

Why the bill matters for counties

Across the country, counties, especially rural ones, rely on volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel to safeguard residents and respond to emergencies. Volunteer firefighters account for 65 percent of firefighters nationwide, making them a critical part of local emergency response systems.  

However, many emergency services face ongoing recruitment and retention challenges, particularly when it comes to attracting younger volunteers. Rising housing costs and affordability challenges can make it difficult for young people to live in the communities they serve, creating an additional barrier for individuals interested in volunteering as first responders.

What the bill does

• Broadens eligibility for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development rural housing loans by allowing qualified volunteer emergency responders to participate in the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program even if their income exceeds the program limit by up to $18,000
• Extends eligibility for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Good Neighbor Next Door program to volunteer emergency responders, enabling them to access homes in designated revitalization areas at a 50% discount from the list price

NACo endorses the bipartisan Volunteer First Responder Housing Act and will continue working with federal partners to advance policies that help counties recruit, retain and support the essential workforce that keeps communities safe.

“Counties are on the front lines of emergency response, especially in rural communities where volunteer first responders play a vital role in protecting residents and saving lives. Across the nation, rural counties employ more than 126,000 public safety personnel, including 54,000 first responders,” said Matthew Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties. “The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act expands access to affordable housing for our nation's volunteer emergency responders while strengthening the critical county services that help keep our communities safe.”