New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's plan to slash funding for homeless housing programs. The move comes after the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced it would cut two-thirds of funding for long-term housing programs beginning next year.
The new policy prioritizes short-term programs that require participants to undergo treatment, work with law enforcement, or demonstrate employment status. Critics argue this approach punishes those who do not align with the administration's policies, particularly individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction disorders.
New York City stands to lose at least $109 million in housing grants, a significant blow to its efforts to house over 10,000 people across 8,400 units. Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park described the move as "a giant step backwards from what we know works."
Homeless advocates argue that reducing funding for supportive housing will drive up street homelessness and the shelter population, exacerbating an already dire crisis. Pascale Leone, executive director of the Supportive Housing Network of New York, warned that providers may be forced to shut down buildings due to lack of funding.
The Trump administration has maintained that its policy shift is necessary to address the root causes of homelessness. However, critics argue that this approach ignores the economic reality faced by many Americans and fails to provide a sustainable solution to the crisis.
New York joins a coalition of over a dozen states in challenging the new grant guidelines. The lawsuit argues that these conditions are unlawful and could potentially shut people out of aid based on their mental health or disability status.
In an effort to mitigate the impact, some lawmakers have urged HUD to extend grant contracts for another year. However, officials warn that the cuts will have a ripple effect, shifting money away from other programs and projects to fill the gap.
The new policy prioritizes short-term programs that require participants to undergo treatment, work with law enforcement, or demonstrate employment status. Critics argue this approach punishes those who do not align with the administration's policies, particularly individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction disorders.
New York City stands to lose at least $109 million in housing grants, a significant blow to its efforts to house over 10,000 people across 8,400 units. Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park described the move as "a giant step backwards from what we know works."
Homeless advocates argue that reducing funding for supportive housing will drive up street homelessness and the shelter population, exacerbating an already dire crisis. Pascale Leone, executive director of the Supportive Housing Network of New York, warned that providers may be forced to shut down buildings due to lack of funding.
The Trump administration has maintained that its policy shift is necessary to address the root causes of homelessness. However, critics argue that this approach ignores the economic reality faced by many Americans and fails to provide a sustainable solution to the crisis.
New York joins a coalition of over a dozen states in challenging the new grant guidelines. The lawsuit argues that these conditions are unlawful and could potentially shut people out of aid based on their mental health or disability status.
In an effort to mitigate the impact, some lawmakers have urged HUD to extend grant contracts for another year. However, officials warn that the cuts will have a ripple effect, shifting money away from other programs and projects to fill the gap.
. The stats on homelessness in NYC are already crazy - over 10,000 people living on the streets is just not sustainable 
. And now they're slashing funding for housing grants? That's like, a huge kick in the teeth to everyone who needs it most 
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And addiction disorders are a major contributor too - 33% of homeless people have a substance use disorder. It's not just about being lazy or not trying hard enough; it's about systemic issues and lack of resources 
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. We need more data-driven solutions that actually work for people who need it most 
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. They already got no support system, now they're being forced into even more treatment & supervision? That's not a solution, that's just punishment 
. It's like the gov's trying to shame people instead of helping them get back on their feet 
. We need to focus on providing ppl with actual resources & support, not just paper cuts 
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i mean come on 2/3 of funding cut? thats like cutting off people's lifeline while they're already struggling to stay alive 
what's wrong with supporting ppl who need help instead of trying to "fix" them through treatment or employment? that's just cruel 
shouldn't they be able to have a place to call home without having to meet some crazy conditions? and $109 million is a lot of money for NY city to lose... how are they supposed to make ends meet now? 
It's like they're trying to punish people who are already struggling. The fact that it's going to affect NYC the worst is just a nightmare 
. 10,000 people need housing and they're going to take away almost $110 million from us... what's next, cutting funding for schools or hospitals? 
I just wanna say I'm so bummed about this news 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that HUD will listen and maybe reconsider their plans? 
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homeless advocates r right, we need more support not less 
gotta stand with NY city and the states that r fighting this policy 
. lets work together to find some real solutions, not just slap people on the wrist 
this is just great, slash funding for homeless housing programs when we should be trying to figure out why ppl are ending up on the streets in the 1st place.