The latest analysis from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies tells us that, in 2015, there were 21.4 million cost-burdened renters, an increase of 4 million from 2005. In addition, nearly 11.3 million renters in 2015 were “severely” cost-burdened, paying 50 percent or more of their income on housing alone. The overwhelming majority of these severely burdened renters rank among the poorest families in the nation. For them, the first of the month can be a day of reckoning: Should I pay the rent or buy groceries? Should I give the landlord some cash or should I set money aside so my child can receive critical medical care? Many of these families are just one setback away from an eviction notice.

The Trump administration and the 115th Congress should make additional investments in federal rental assistance programs and affordable rental supply a priority. Even a relatively modest investment would help fulfill basic housing needs for millions of families while providing other positive effects. There is growing evidence that decent, stable affordable housing can serve as a platform for achieving better life outcomes, including improved school performance, diminished health problems, and a reduction in psychological stress.