The nation’s basic supports for low-income, non-elderly adults without children are weak, fragmented, and often highly restrictive, leaving many of these individuals without help they need to afford the basics.

The American Rescue Plan, the emergency relief proposal that President Biden announced in mid-January and that Congress will begin considering soon, includes key investments to mitigate high levels of hunger and hardship.

While government programs have done much to narrow these disparities in poverty, further progress will require stronger government efforts to reduce poverty and discrimination and build opportunity for all.

Extensive research has found the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children to be a cost-effective investment that improves the nutrition and health of low-income families.

We applaud President Biden’s announcement today that he will reverse harmful Trump administration housing rules that have undermined efforts to promote racial equity and reverse the nation’s legacy of housing discrimination.