The "Build Housing with Care Act of 2025" establishes a grant program to encourage the co-location of affordable housing and child care services, aiming to increase access to both and support low-income families. It also directs a study on child care access for public housing residents.
Ron Wyden
Senator
OR
The "Build Housing with Care Act of 2025" aims to increase access to affordable housing and child care by establishing a grant program that encourages the co-location of housing and child care services. The program will provide competitive grants to eligible entities for the design, construction, or renovation of facilities that combine housing and child care. It prioritizes entities operating in child care deserts or serving low-income families. The Act also requires a study on child care access for public housing residents and authorizes $100,000,000 annually from 2026-2031 for the grant program.
New Bill Offers $100M Annually for Combined Affordable Housing and Child Care Facilities, Starting 2026
The "Build Housing with Care Act of 2025" aims to tackle two major challenges—affordable housing and accessible childcare—with one program. Introduced this year, the bill sets up a grant program to fund the creation of 'co-location facilities,' which are basically affordable housing developments with built-in childcare services. The idea is to make life easier (and cheaper) for families by having these two essentials in one place.
Making Housing and Childcare Work Together
This bill, if passed, will authorize $100 million every year from 2026 to 2031 for grants to build or renovate these combined facilities. It's not just about putting up buildings; it's about strategic placement. Priority goes to projects in areas that really need childcare—specifically 'childcare deserts' (where there are at least three times more kids than licensed care slots, or no providers, SEC. 3), low-income communities, and rural areas (SEC. 4). This means if you're living in an area where finding a daycare spot is like winning the lottery, this bill is looking to change that.
Real-World Impact
Imagine a single parent working two jobs to make ends meet. They live in an affordable housing complex, but the nearest childcare center is miles away, requiring a long commute and extra costs. With this new program, that same parent could have access to quality childcare right where they live. This setup not only cuts down on commuting time and costs but also potentially allows parents to work more hours or pursue further education, improving their financial situation. The grant amounts are capped at $10,000,000 per eligible entity (SEC.4).
Or consider a family in a rural area where the nearest childcare provider is a significant drive away. A co-location facility could bring both housing and childcare closer to home, reducing transportation burdens and supporting local employment. The bill specifically requires applicants to show how they'll engage with residents on the use of these grant funds (SEC. 4), meaning communities should have a say in how these facilities are developed.
Looking Ahead
The "Build Housing with Care Act" isn't just throwing money at a problem; it's trying to build a system that works better for families. It also mandates a study by the Comptroller General of the United States to assess the current state of child care access for public housing residents within one year (SEC. 5). This means they're looking to understand the real-world challenges faced by these families and find ways to improve the system. By requiring annual reports to Congress on the program's implementation, it's clear that the bill includes measures for tracking progress and making adjustments as needed (SEC. 4). While the concept is promising, the real test will be in how effectively these grants are managed and whether they truly reach the families who need them most. There is a lot in here that needs to be followed closely, to make sure it is implemented fairly, and delivers the promised support.