ACTION ALERT: HUD Proposal Threatens Supportive Housing

Dear friends of MHSA,

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is proposing major policy changes that would undo decades of bipartisan progress and increase homelessness nationwide.

Across the country, $3.6 billion in federal funding for supportive housing is at risk (HUD Continuum of Care homeless assistance funding). More than 170,000 people nationwide could lose their housing. In Massachusetts, that’s $136 million and 3,800 homes for people with disabilities at risk. Click here for an overview of the potential impact in Massachusetts by region.

Supportive housing works. It keeps people housed, reduces ER visits and jail stays, and saves public dollars.

Today, a New York Times guest essay from Philip Mangano, MHSA’s founding executive director, highlights what’s at stake. Philip Mangano went on to become executive director of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness under President George W. Bush.

“We Found a Solution to Homelessness. Now the Trump Administration Wants to Throw It Out”

MHSA is working with our national and state partners to respond to this threat, and you’ll hear more from us in the days to come. For now, we have an immediate ask.

Take Action Now!

Please contact Senator Warren, Senator Markey, and your U.S. Representative and ask for Congress to:

Engage the White House and HUD to maintain the two-year Continuum of Care funding cycle and ensure any major program changes go through the proper legislative channels.

Include protective language in a Continuing Resolution (CR) or other legislative vehicle to preserve the two-year funding cycle and safeguard supportive housing programs.

Supportive housing ends homelessness and strengthens our communities. Please join us in raising your voice to protect this critical resource.

Thank you for your partnership,

Joyce Tavon

MHSA Chief Executive Officer

Support MHSA

About MHSA

The Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization working to end homelessness among individuals through advocacy and the development of housing solutions. For more than 30 years, MHSA has been a policy driver and a catalyst for change. Partnering with nearly 100 community-based agencies across the state, MHSA has sparked innovation, reimagining the traditional emergency shelter system to create permanent housing offering essential wraparound services and accessible health care.

Learn more at www.MHSA.net