Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, issued this statement following reports that the Trump Administration has temporarily withdrawn its dangerous plan to slash funding for the Continuum of Care Program (CoC), administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The plan, had it gone forward, would have undermined evidence-based solutions like the Housing First approach and slashed critical funding for permanent supportive housing, not only deepening the ongoing homelessness crisis but pushing more than 170,000 vulnerable Americans back out onto the streets.

“The Trump Administration has shown repeatedly the extent of its cruelty and willingness to undermine proven housing programs, bypass Congress, and disregard the lives of people experiencing homelessness. However, yesterday the Administration seemingly listened to the outcry from around the country and pulled back on their dangerous and short-sighted plans to slash funding for homeless service providers.

The Trump Administration’s November 14th proposal was cruel, inhumane, and an assault on people who need help the most. At a time when nearly 800,000 people are experiencing homelessness on any given night, the last thing this country needs is an Administration adding to that number by trying to slash the very programs that are key to keeping people off the streets. 

While I am pleased that the Trump Administration was forced to back down this time, unfortunately, many local programs may now face an even longer gap in funding, which also puts lives at risk. These communities cannot wait. HUD must move quickly to renew existing grants under last year’s rules, so families do not lose the housing support they depend on. 

As the Trump Administration prepares to take a second pass at its proposal, we will be there to stand up for those in need and fight to ensure that every American has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.”

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