Failing to Invest in Housing Hurts Us All

Imagine losing your home—and with it, your sense of stability, your health, and your future. For thousands of families, veterans, and vulnerable individuals, this isn’t just a fear; it’s a looming reality. And it’s one that is getting closer, thanks to severe cuts in federal housing assistance.

On March 15, 2025, Congress passed a full-year “continuing resolution” (CR), and the President signed it, keeping the federal government funded through the rest of the fiscal year. Unfortunately, while the HUD funding boost for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) is a step forward, it’s still not enough. The bill allocates $32.14 billion for rental assistance—a $3.65 billion increase from last year. But here’s the hard truth: even with that increase, the need is so much greater. It won’t be enough to keep up with the demand. In fact, this shortfall will result in the loss of 32,000 housing vouchers. That’s 32,000 actual households—families, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, seniors, and individuals with disabilities—who will be at risk of losing their homes. The domino effect of this loss is staggering: landlords will be left with an impossible choice—evicting these families or swallowing the financial burden themselves.

And as if that’s not enough, the bill also slashes $168 million from homeless services across 400 communities, jeopardizing the housing stability and services for more than 18,000 households. But here’s the kicker: this is only the beginning. Just last week, two key agencies that oversee housing—HUD’s Office of Field Policy and Management and the Federal Housing Finance Agency—began eliminating offices and cutting staff. Even worse, they’re promising more cuts. Cuts that will further shrink the capacity for rent assistance and homeless services.

These cuts aren’t just numbers on a page—they’re real lives at risk. It’s part of a bigger, ongoing failure by the government to adequately invest in the resources needed to ensure everyone has safe, stable housing. For those of us on the frontlines —organizations like City with Dwellings— we’re already stretched to the limit. We’re trying to pick up the pieces, but the truth is, we can’t do it alone. Cuts to HUD funding are a direct hit to the most vulnerable people in our communities. Families with children, veterans, and people with disabilities who already face hardship will only have more to bear.

And we all know the ripple effect of homelessness. When people lose their homes, they don’t just need shelter—they need medical care, mental health support, and emergency services. Our hospitals, first responders, and emergency services are already overwhelmed, and these cuts will only make things worse, pushing costs onto taxpayers. Meanwhile, local landlords and utility companies lose out on income, and businesses feel the strain as people are forced to cut back on spending. When people lose their homes, it affects all of us—and the economic burden on our community will continue to grow. Investing in housing isn’t just the right thing to do for our neighbors—it’s essential for a thriving, stable local economy.

Let’s be clear, though: the problem isn’t waste or fraud. The real issue is the chronic underinvestment in housing—especially for our most vulnerable neighbors. For decades, the government has failed to allocate the resources necessary to address this basic human need. The private sector can and should play a role, but it can’t solve this alone. Government at all levels has a responsibility to step up and ensure the welfare and security of all its citizens.

We have to make it clear to our elected officials: cutting HUD funding isn’t an option. Housing isn’t just a roof over someone’s head—it’s a key to stability, opportunity, and a better life. People with stable housing are healthier, more likely to find jobs, and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. When we fail to support those who are struggling, we weaken all of us.

I know many of us are facing financial uncertainty right now, but I hope you’ll join us in this fight. Your support—whether it’s a little or a lot—will make a direct impact on our ability to keep doing this vital work. We need your help now more than ever as we face these funding challenges.

Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. When we support our neighbors in need, we build a stronger, more compassionate community for all.

Ruth Cole Burcaw, Executive Director

City with Dwellings