Trump Administration Revives Faith-Based Homelessness Programs in Los Angeles, California

The Trump administration has announced a renewed focus on faith-based programs to address homelessness in Los Angeles, according to reports on the announcement. U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made the announcement at a press conference held at the Dream Center, a faith-based nonprofit. One report says the initiative was announced on a Tuesday.

The administration had earlier moved against federal funding for the city. One report says the Trump administration announced in June that it would cease federal funding to Los Angeles, urging a shift toward more effective solutions. Both reports say the administration pointed to recent controversies over the misuse of taxpayer funds by certain nonprofits. One report describes this as heightening scrutiny of homelessness services in California, while the other says the administration cited it as a reason for more accountability.

Turner described the Dream Center as funded by private donations. According to his description, the organization focuses on bringing individuals in, housing them, and addressing root causes such as drug addiction and mental illness. One report says the Dream Center operates independently of “Senate-funded programs,” a phrase the report does not explain further.

Kennedy said a policy restricting funding for faith-based groups had been reversed. The reports attribute that earlier restriction differently. One describes it as a policy of the previous administration. The other describes it as a restriction imposed on faith-based homelessness programs during the Biden era. Kennedy said former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, now a candidate for governor of California, had ceased funding for these groups under Biden. Neither report includes a response from Becerra in the material provided.

Kennedy said faith-based groups are now prioritized because they deliver results. The administration’s strategy, as reported, seeks to transform lives through healing and self-sufficiency rather than focusing solely on housing. Turner emphasized addressing drug addiction and mental illness in addition to providing shelter, a approach that bringing people in and housing them reflects (Matthew 25:35).

Kennedy also said that during COVID-19, the Dream Center’s daily meal distribution increased from 1,000 to 10,000. One report states that the policy shift emphasizes accountability and results in addressing homelessness.