ICYMI: Congresswoman Nikema Williams Passes Legislation in ROAD to Housing that Helps Homeowners Keep & Maintain Their Homes

Resources / Press Share on ICYMI: Congresswoman Nikema Williams Passes Legislation in ROAD to Housing that Helps Homeowners Keep & Maintain Their Homes May 21, 2026 Press WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act this week, a major step toward tackling the housing affordability crisis. Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) led the inclusion of multiple legislative action points within the housing bill. A champion for both affordable AND desirable housing, Congresswoman Nikema Williams’ inclusions build policy around making sure working families can own and maintain their homes and property. Introduced by Congresswoman Nikema Williams, the Whole Home Repairs Act was included in the housing bill passed by the House. This legislation will: Ensure resources reach homeowners and small landlords with the most need, providing grants to low- and moderate-income homeowners (including owner-occupants of manufactured homes) and smaller landlords who agree to fair rental practices (ensuring that benefits accrue to the community). Create one-stop shops to coordinate existing federal, State, and local home repair programs and assist applicants with navigating and leveraging these funding opportunities more effectively. Direct HUD to prioritize applicants with plans to implement the program across entire states, as well as applicants that ensure equal resources go to rural areas. Permit implementing organizations to incorporate workforce training and other related programs. Create reporting mechanisms to ensure that resources are used effectively and fairly, and that coordinating activities reduce redundancies. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act also included language from the HEIRS Act , introduced by Congresswoman Nikema Williams, requiring the U.S. Government Accountability Office (U.S. GAO) to study the impact of heirs properties. This builds momentum for the future passage of the HEIRS Act that would incentivize states to adopt the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act and provides grant funds for legal assistance for heirs’ property owners to clear title—making sure that family homes stay in the family. To read the full text of the Whole Home Repairs Act, click here . To read the full text of the HEIRS Act, click here . Share on