Exhibit (j)(1)

   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We  consent  to the  references  to  our  firm  under  the  captions  "Financial
Highlights"  in the  Prospectus  and "Auditors and Financial  Statements" in the
Statement of Additional  Information,  and to the  incorporation by reference in
this Registration Statement (Form N-1A) (Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to File
No. 333-59762,  Amendment No. 56 to File No. 811-03493) of the AFL - CIO Housing
Investment  Trust  of our  report  dated  February  12,  2009  on the  financial
statements  and  financial  highlights  included  in the 2008  Annual  Report to
shareholders.


/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

McLean, Virginia
April 27, 2009