→Find Your House Member’s phone number.
→Find Your Senator’s phone number.

WHAT YOU’LL SAY

“Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I’m a constituent from [CITY/STATE].

I’m calling because federal funding for housing and homelessness programs could be disrupted if HUD cannot complete its funding process by December 1.

These programs help people move out of homelessness and stay housed in communities like ours.

I’m asking [MEMBER NAME] to support protections in the upcoming Continuing Resolution that would keep eligible existing programs funded if HUD cannot make lawful awards by the deadline.

Will [MEMBER NAME] support this protection?”

Thank you,

[NAME/ CITY/STATE]

Make It Personal — If You Can

If you have personal or local experience, add one sentence: 

• “I see how important stable housing is in our community.” 
• “I work with people who rely on these housing and support services.” 
• “[LOCAL PROGRAM] helps people in our community move out of homelessness.” 
• “As someone who has experienced homelessness/housing instability, I know how important these programs can be.” 
• “I’m concerned about what a funding gap could mean for people in our community.” 

COMMON RESPONSES

They say: “We’re monitoring the situation.” 
You say: “Thank you. With the December 1 deadline approaching, I’m asking [MEMBER NAME] to support protections now so communities do not face unnecessary funding disruptions.

Can you let me know where [MEMBER NAME] stands on this?”

They say: “We support homeless assistance.” 
You say: “Thank you. I appreciate that support. I’m asking [MEMBER NAME] to help protect the housing and services that help people leave homelessness and remain housed.

Will [MEMBER NAME] support this specific protection before December 1?”

They say: “Our Member Isn’t on the Appropriations Committee”
You say: “That’s okay. Every Member of Congress can help make clear that protecting Continuum of Care funding matters.

We’re asking [MEMBER NAME] to share these concerns with Appropriations Committee leadership as they decide what is included in the final funding bill.”

They say: “We’ll look into it.” 
You say: “Thank you. Who is the right person in the office who works on this issue? Can I have their email? I would appreciate an opportunity to communicate the following in writing: I want [Senator/Representative LAST NAME] to support contingency language in the upcoming Continuing Resolution providing that, if HUD is unable to make lawful FY 2026 CoC Program Awards by December 1, 2026, HUD should make noncompetitive renewal awards to all eligible renewal projects at their previously awarded funding levels.  

I’ll send an email with this language today and will follow up in [x] days to confirm that [Senator/ Representative] [LAST NAME] will support this. Thank you for your support.” 

Want to Go One Step Further?

Ask for two additional actions:

• Ask your Member to contact Appropriations leadership. Request that they reach out to the Chair or Ranking Member of the House or Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee and urge them to protect Continuum of Care funding in the final bill.
• Request an in-district meeting (guidelines and tips are available in the next drop down). Ask to meet with your Member or the appropriate staffer while they are back in the district so you can share what CoC funding makes possible in your community and what could be at risk if funding is interrupted.

Before You Hang Up

Try to leave the call knowing:

• Who you spoke with.
• Where the Member stands, if they can tell you.
• Who you should contact for follow-up.

You do not need to be a policy expert to make a difference. Your job is simply to tell your Member that protecting these housing programs matters to you and your community.