Congress examines economic impact of ongoing housing shortage crisis Boston 25 News [Video]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — New federal data shows more than 21 million renters spent more than 30 percent of their income on housing last year. That means less money for other essentials like food and healthcare.

Recently, on Capitol Hill, housing advocates like Greta Harris warned lawmakers that inaction on the housing crisis could lead to major consequences.

“The longer we wait to address this housing crisis, the more costly it will become,” said Greta Harris, President and CEO, of Better Housing Coalition.

Harris runs the Better Housing Coalition in Richmond, Virginia. The not-for-profit community development corporation has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the area and it provides affordable rental homes for nearly 3,000 thousand low-income families and seniors.

Harris told Congress she’s seen their work transform lives.

“Individuals further their education, secure better jobs, and even sometimes transition to homeownership, creating a cycle of positive economic social outcomes,” she said.

But it’s getting harder to find …