New National Poll Shows Strong Doubts Over Trump Administration’s Sudden Actions to Upend Federal Homelessness Programs

November 20, 2025, Washington, D.C., — New national opinion polling reveals deep concerns over the Trump Administration’s sudden actions to largely defund the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) permanent housing programs for people experiencing homelessness. The polling was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

“HUD’s new policies are recklessly rushed, and they will leave communities without the vital resources needed to address a growing crisis,” said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “Americans are rightfully concerned that their communities will pay the price due to needless grant delays.” 

The poll specifically addresses HUD’s decision to dramatically limit the funding that a community can allocate to permanent housing programs that support qualified persons with disabilities. Instead, funds will be shifted towards transitional housing programs that cost more and are less effective. This cut to affordable housing services is expected to displace more than 170,000 people with nowhere to go but back to the streets, in shelters, or in encampments.  

A majority of respondents (57 percent) oppose this policy shift, with 40 percent strongly opposing it.  

Timing is a Major Concern

Respondents are particularly concerned about the sudden and rushed timing of this order, which was introduced less than two months before current housing assistance and services expire, and which supersede existing grant awards that were operating on schedule. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72 percent) expressed concern with HUD’s admission that this will delay federal funds from reaching many homeless service providers for at least the first five months of 2026 (and possibly much longer). This delay will leave communities without the needed resources to address a growing crisis during the coldest months of the year. 

Respondents also showed deep concern over the potential of these policies to increase homelessness, with 57 percent believing it will drive increases, and only nine percent believing that it will reduce homelessness in their communities. Nearly a quarter (24 percent) doubt that the shift would make any difference at all. 

Lack of Trust is a Factor

The polling also showed a troubling lack of faith that people who can no longer access Permanent Supportive Housing and Rapid Re-Housing programs will be reconnected with housing and supports, with a strong majority (63 percent) expressing doubt. 

“Americans are frustrated right now – frustrated with the cost of living, frustrated with the cost of housing, and frustrated with homelessness. And they clearly see the connection between them all,” said Oliva. “The U.S. has a shortage of 7.1 million rental homes affordable and available to renters with extremely low incomes. This is not the time for our leaders to abandon housing assistance. It’s time to finally scale up these investments so that all Americans have an opportunity to thrive in housing. Our communities cannot afford needless delays and interruptions.” 

This poll was conducted between November 17-18, 2025, among a sample size of 2,204 Americans, with a margin of error of ± 2%. A summary of findings can be found here. 

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About the National Alliance to End Homelessness

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. As a leading voice on the issue of homelessness, the Alliance analyzes policy and develops pragmatic, cost-effective solutions; works collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity; and provides data and research to policymakers and elected officials in order to inform policy debates and educate the public and opinion leaders nationwide.