Proposed changes to federal housing programs could put formerly homeless community members back on the streets

Dozens of formerly unhoused community members in the Charlottesville area face the risk of returning to homelessness due to proposed changes to federal housing programs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced significant cuts to funding for long-term housing programs, redirecting $3.9 billion to transitional housing initiatives. These transitional programs include additional work requirements that may be unattainable for individuals with disabling conditions.

HUD claims the policy shift aims to “restore accountability” and “promote self-sufficiency” by addressing what it identifies as the “root cause of homelessness, including illicit drugs and mental illness.” However, the transition from permanent supportive housing to transitional housing involves eligibility differences. Those eligible for permanent supportive housing may not qualify for transitional housing, and the latter requires individuals to be unhoused, potentially forcing some back into homelessness.

At least one Charlottesville-area program, Region Ten’s permanent supportive housing program, is among those targeted by HUD’s funding shift. This program supports 32 individuals with disabling conditions who were previously chronically homeless. Joanna Jennings, director of community relations for Region Ten, expressed concern about the uncertainty this change creates for those currently stably housed through such programs.

Shayla Washington, executive director of the Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless, noted that over half of the individuals in Region Ten’s HUD-funded supportive housing program are seniors, many of whom are unable to work. These individuals would not qualify for the transitional housing programs HUD intends to fund, raising concerns about their future stability.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked HUD from implementing the sweeping changes, but service providers report a lack of clear guidance on how to proceed with applying for HUD funding for the coming year. Even if applications are submitted, the timeline and outcome remain uncertain, leaving many community members in a state of limbo.

Source: Read the original report