CEO Corner, Week of March 17, 2026

It was great to see nearly 1,000 of you at the Alliance’s Leadership Summit in San Diego this month. I learned a lot, saw community being built, and left with the conviction that we as a field have the know-how and determination to continue the work of ending homelessness, even in challenging circumstances.

Here are a few overall updates of how recent federal changes will impact homeless services, both inside and outside the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Recent Federal Actions and Initiatives

Several federal agencies have taken actions to implement the Executive Order issued in July 2025. Within the last month:

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new initiative that rejects harm reduction approaches and will force narrowly-defined treatment models onto people experiencing homelessness, which could include an abstinence-only approach to treatment under a threat of forced institutionalization.

• The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a new $42 million grant opportunity focused on expanding civil commitment and institutional care, rather than investing in community-based health care and housing.

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the DOJ announced a new memorandum of understanding that will increase capacity to pursue legal guardianship of veterans, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This will be a mechanism to force them into involuntary treatment.

When combined, these federal actions – across departments, funding streams, and populations – indicate a widespread dismantling of the systems currently in place to respond to homelessness while actively creating harm for those experiencing it.

None of us can fight what is ahead alone. Now is the time to strengthen your partnerships with local business leaders, healthcare organizations, law enforcement, and others in your community who can join in our efforts.

Update on CoC Program Funding

Litigation. In our most recent update, we shared that HUD formally appealed the lower Court’s decision to deny their request to dissolve or stay the Preliminary Injunction. We anticipate a ruling on the appeal by March 30.

FY2025 CoC Program Funding. HUD has still not announced renewal awards for quarter 1 grants, despite Congress’ directive to noncompetitively renew grants expiring in the first quarter. To our knowledge, no communication has been shared with CoCs or recipients of funding. If your member(s) of Congress sit on the Appropriations Committee in the House or Senate—and particularly if they are on the House or Senate T-HUD Subcommittee—make sure they know about the continued delay and lack of transparency.

Strengthening Our Influence – Together

With so many moving pieces, advocacy at all levels – whether it’s talking to Members of Congress or City Council, state legislators or mayors – will continue to play a key role in the homelessness field in 2026.

To get involved, sign up for our advocacy updates and get the most up-to-date resources and tools to take action on ending homelessness in your community.