The Expanding Service Coordinators Act

U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Joyce Beatty (D-OH) introduced The Expanding Service Coordinators Act, which aims to support Service Coordinators through funding, training and more! Endorsed by AASC and a broad coalition of national partners, this historic piece of federal legislation creates new opportunities to grow supports for residents and career development pathways for Service Coordinators. 

AASC stands behind The Expanding Service Coordinators Act, which will:

• Make critical investments in service coordinator programs that serve older adults and people with disabilities in HUD-subsidized affordable housing
• Provide training and student loan forgiveness opportunities to service coordinators 
• Examine the positive impact of service coordination in rural communities 

"Service coordinators are an underfunded resource in federally assisted housing," Congressman Smith said in a fact sheet. "They help individuals navigate the complicated web of social services that can make the difference between a resident sinking or thriving. It is more important now than ever to invest in this critical workforce."

“Every single community in this country needs more supported affordable housing. Whether you live in a city, suburb, or rural community, the older adults, families, persons with disabilities, veterans, and other vulnerable neighbors all have the same basic needs: to be healthy, happy, and housed. The Expanding Service Coordinators Act will do this by prioritizing the needs of older adults, empowering families with the resources they need to become self-sufficient, and growing supported affordable housing across the country. Service Coordinators connect older adults with resources that allow them to age in their own communities, they provide families the tools they need to become and remain self-sufficient, and they save tax dollars by keeping residents out of more costly institutions. With this legislation, and the continued leadership of Representative Smith, we are one step closer to changing the narrative and making a substantial difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country.” 
— Michelle Missler, President & CEO, American Association of Service Coordinators

Left: AASC presents Representative Adam Smith with the AASC 2022 President's Award for introducing The Expanding Service Coordinators Act and being a vocal advocate for Service Coordinators and affordable housing. Pictured here from left to right are AASC Consultants Bill Benson and Alayna Waldrum, Representative Smith, AASC President & CEO Michelle Missler, and AASC Director of Government Affairs Melissa Harris.