The "Build Housing with Care Act of 2025" seeks to expand access to affordable housing and child care by establishing a new grant program. This program, administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will award competitive grants to eligible entities for the design, planning, construction, conversion, retrofitting, preservation, or renovation of co-location facilities, which are housing facilities that include an eligible child care provider on or near their premises. HUD will consult with the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, the Treasury, and Agriculture in developing the program.

To receive a grant, applicants must certify that the associated child care provider is eligible for Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) assistance or commit to establishing such a partnership within one year. Applications must also ensure that funded activities will not result in resident evictions, include a plan for resident engagement, and certify compliance with environmental and land use laws. A business plan for the child care provider, including licensing information and contracts for low-income family enrollment, is also required.

Priority for grant awards will be given to projects in child care deserts, low-income communities, or rural areas, as well as those serving very-low income families or partnering with a community development financial institution (CDFI). Eligible entities can receive up to $10,000,000, with funds usable for various stages of facility development, including acquisition and long-term leasing. Grant recipients may distribute funds to other entities like government agencies, nonprofit housing developers, or public housing agencies, and CDFIs can capitalize amounts to create financial products.

The bill allows up to 10 percent of grant funds for pre-development activities and another 10 percent for partnering with CDFIs to provide technical assistance and capacity building. HUD is also tasked with providing technical assistance and publishing best practices for co-location facilities. An annual report to Congress is mandated, detailing program implementation, including the number of grants awarded, child care slots created or preserved, and demographic data of residents.

Furthermore, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030 to carry out the grant program. It also directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study and submit a report within 12 months on child care access for residents of public housing dwelling units. This study will evaluate the use of existing federal funds for child care facilities, the impact of housing and child care costs, barriers to facility development, and the efficacy of various tax credits and assistance programs for public housing residents.