As Sarah Mickelson explains, the National Low Income Housing Coalition views it members, low-income people living in federally assisted housing, as experts on our nation's severe housing shortage. They are included in every organizational conference and convening and meet regularly with members of Congress  about their experiences and recommendations. NLIHC is a relentless champion of the housing needs of lowest income Americans. At a time in which federal budget cuts to programs serving people living in poverty are commonplace, the Coalition actually secured a public funding increase. Sarah credits this accomplishment to the engagement of NLIHC's members with their Congressional representatives. And its partnerships with nonprofits focused on intersecting issues, including health, children and education, makes them even stronger.