Bay Area Braces for Devastating Blow from Trump Administration's Housing Cuts
A harsh new reality is unfolding in Santa Clara County as the Trump administration announces a drastic slash in funding for permanent supportive housing programs, leaving thousands of vulnerable Americans at risk of becoming homeless. The federal Continuum of Care program, which provides critical support to local efforts combating homelessness, will see a staggering $3.6 billion cut annually.
This devastating blow comes as homelessness in the US has reached record levels, driven by rising housing costs, inflation, and economic pressures. Local leaders are sounding the alarm, warning that the move could force thousands of people back onto the streets.
Critics argue that permanent supportive housing has proven to be a more effective solution than short-term programs with work requirements or treatment mandates. "Instead of cutting a program which has the evidence to support its success, we should be working together to address the causes that leave individuals without the means to support themselves," stated Representatives Sam Liccardo and Zoe Lofgren in a letter to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner.
Lawmakers are determined to take action, with Liccardo stating that his committee will press the administration and seek bipartisan support for legislation to override the decision. "We'll be doing everything we can to ensure that this administration's decision is overridden," he said.
For families like Alberto Barragan and Kaytana Alvarido of San Jose, who have experienced homelessness firsthand, the stakes are personal. After two years without stable housing, they finally moved into an affordable unit on Monday, but their story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of these cuts.
"This is our home and we're going to make it the best that it can be, especially for this little guy," said Kaytana Alvarido. The couple's journey highlights the urgent need for effective solutions to address homelessness, rather than resorting to drastic cuts in funding.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: thousands of lives are at risk due to these devastating cuts.
A harsh new reality is unfolding in Santa Clara County as the Trump administration announces a drastic slash in funding for permanent supportive housing programs, leaving thousands of vulnerable Americans at risk of becoming homeless. The federal Continuum of Care program, which provides critical support to local efforts combating homelessness, will see a staggering $3.6 billion cut annually.
This devastating blow comes as homelessness in the US has reached record levels, driven by rising housing costs, inflation, and economic pressures. Local leaders are sounding the alarm, warning that the move could force thousands of people back onto the streets.
Critics argue that permanent supportive housing has proven to be a more effective solution than short-term programs with work requirements or treatment mandates. "Instead of cutting a program which has the evidence to support its success, we should be working together to address the causes that leave individuals without the means to support themselves," stated Representatives Sam Liccardo and Zoe Lofgren in a letter to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner.
Lawmakers are determined to take action, with Liccardo stating that his committee will press the administration and seek bipartisan support for legislation to override the decision. "We'll be doing everything we can to ensure that this administration's decision is overridden," he said.
For families like Alberto Barragan and Kaytana Alvarido of San Jose, who have experienced homelessness firsthand, the stakes are personal. After two years without stable housing, they finally moved into an affordable unit on Monday, but their story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of these cuts.
"This is our home and we're going to make it the best that it can be, especially for this little guy," said Kaytana Alvarido. The couple's journey highlights the urgent need for effective solutions to address homelessness, rather than resorting to drastic cuts in funding.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: thousands of lives are at risk due to these devastating cuts.
anyway back to this housing crisis... what's the deal with people not paying rent on time? like, shouldn't they just be more responsible or something? 
my aunt has a friend who's a nurse and she's always talking about how stressful it is to work in healthcare 
anyway, i guess that's what happens when you're struggling to make ends meet... 
...I mean, I get it, we need to be fiscally responsible and all that, but come on! 
Cutting $3.6 billion from a program that's actually been shown to work? 
That's like taking away a kid's favorite toy and expecting them not to freak out 
. And what's the alternative? Letting thousands of people become homeless because we can't afford to support those who are already struggling? 
It's just not right.
...and now it seems like we're taking two steps back instead of one step forward. 
Those families that have finally found a place to call home after going through so much? 
We need to protect those resources and find ways to make housing more affordable for everyone, not just the lucky ones who got in on time. 
...can we please just try something else?! 
! Trump's decision to slash funding for permanent supportive housing programs is literally a recipe for disaster 
. I mean, come on, we know that short-term solutions don't work in the long run, especially when it comes to something as complex and sensitive as homelessness. We need to be supporting people, not kicking them to the curb 
and make sure this decision gets overridden. Every life is worth fighting for 
. We can't just sit back and watch as thousands of people are left without a home because of politics 
. This is one major problem where I'm Team Biden all the way 
!
... The numbers and policies don't lie - homelessness in the US has reached record levels, and it's just not fair that some people have to suffer because of decisions made by those in power 
), but cutting funding for permanent supportive housing programs? that's just heartbreaking 
kaytana and alberto's story is so inspiring though! they're like the ultimate underdog couple 
we gotta make some noise and get our reps to take action! 
this is so harsh 
it's people's lives 
we need more help not less 
we need to work together 
. Permanent supportive housing has proven to be effective, so why are they doing this? 
It's time for us as a society to step up and do better by each other.
. We need more of that kind of thinking in our communities - not less.
They already don't have much, why make it even harder for 'em? And all these work requirements and treatment mandates are just another way of makin' people feel like they're not good enough. It's all about shufflin' the deck to help those who can't help themselves.
. This new Trump administration's cut is gonna be super tough for people like Kaytana & Alberto who are just trying to get back on their feet 
. Did they even consider the economic impact this will have? Families struggling to find jobs, losing benefits... it's like they forgot that homelessness affects people with degrees and families with kids 
.