U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would expand eligibility for qualified volunteer emergency responders to participate in certain federal housing assistance programs.
“Many of our rural communities depend on their local volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to run toward danger during times of emergency,” Rep. Bost said. “As a former firefighter, I’ve seen how difficult it can be for these departments to recruit and retain qualified personnel. Our legislation will improve access to affordable housing for these dedicated first responders.”
Rep. Bost on July 9 introduced the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act, H.R. 4377, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA) and fellow cosponsor U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) in the U.S. House, while Sen. Capito and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Senate version.
The legislation aims to provide affordable federal housing opportunities for volunteer firefighters and first responders as an incentive to recruit and retain more volunteers, particularly in rural and under-served communities, according to an information sheet provided by Sen. Capito’s staff.
“Hundreds of rural communities across West Virginia rely on volunteer firefighters and EMS professionals to keep their communities safe each and every day,” Sen. Capito said on July 9. “The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act works to address the staffing and retention issues many stations face by providing housing incentives. By providing these incentives, we can encourage these local heroes to continue their brave work in their communities, and this bill will help accomplish that.”
If enacted, the measure would make it possible for more volunteer emergency responders to participate in federal programs such as the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program.
The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act is supported by numerous national and state organizations, including the National Volunteer Fire Council, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Housing Assistance Council, the National Rural Housing Coalition, the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association, and the Wisconsin EMS Association, among many others.