As we arrive at the 100-day mark of the current administration, it’s as important of a time as ever to pause and take stock of the developments that impact our work. Here’s what we are watching right now.
What We’re Tracking This Week
President’s Budget
This week, the President is expected to release his budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2026. This is the unofficial start of the federal appropriations process.
Although Congress makes decisions about federal funding, the President’s budget request is a formal recommendation to Congress, which can heavily influence appropriations. Reports indicate that steep cuts or the elimination of funding for safety net programs, including housing assistance, are expected.
We need to be ready to take action to fight back against steep budget cuts and harmful policies. The FY2026 appropriations process will be an intense fight to preserve the already-limited resources available to address homelessness and the affordable housing crisis in the United States.
Soon, the Alliance will be releasing our FY2026 appropriations asks, which will include strategic increases for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Homeless Assistance Grants, Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), and more.
This fight requires us all—including new messengers —to stand up to the administration and Congress so they understand how critical this federal funding is to state and local efforts.
Department of Justice and Encampment Clearings
Reporting by the Washington Post and others indicate that officials at the U.S. Department of Justice have directed the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to provide input on ways to direct resources towards the clearing of encampments, the involuntary hospitalization of persons with mental illness, and to approaches other than Housing First.
If the reporting is accurate, this is another step by the administration to move away from effective, evidence-based approaches in favor of punitive actions that will do nothing to solve homelessness.
For years, OJP has funded grants to help communities address homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorders, prioritizing partnership with community providers to reduce arrests and divert from justice system. This move represents a significant shift, one that is not supported by many in the law enforcement community.
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Update
The Alliance recently submitted a letter of public comment to HUD on its interim final rule on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH).
The public comment period closes on Friday, May 2. You are encouraged to submit your own public comment and may use the Alliance’s letter as starting point for your own. Your organization can also sign on to a letter led by the National Fair Housing Alliance.
Positive News!
Two weeks ago, we shared that some Technical Assistance providers had their contract funding restored to help communities build and preserve affordable homes. Late last week, we learned that an additional $10 million in funding through Community Compass and Distressed Cities has been reinstated. This positive news signals that additional reinstatements of homeless-specific TA may be forthcoming.
We are relieved that HUD has decided to resume this critical work that serves as a lifeline to prevent and end homelessness.
As always, I thank you all for your efforts. As a reminder, if there are questions that are coming up in your community or information that you are looking for from the Alliance, please don’t hesitate to reach out and send an email to info@naeh.org with the subject line “FIELD INFO REQUEST.”
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