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NATIONAL
Housing First & Federal Homelessness Funding
A U.S. District Judge ruled that HUD violated the law when it attempted to shift federal homelessness funding priorities away from the Housing First approach.
Why it matters: Federal funding decisions can directly impact the programs and services available to people experiencing homelessness.
https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/rhode-island-court-trump-administration-homelessness-funds-housing-first
Invite Congress to See Housing Solutions in Action
The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) has released its 2026 August Recess Advocacy Toolkit, encouraging housing organizations to invite members of Congress to tour housing developments and programs in their communities.
Why it matters: Site visits give policymakers an opportunity to see firsthand how affordable housing and homelessness programs impact communities.
https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/2026_August_Recess_Toolkit.pdf
Rental "Junk Fees"
A recent NLIHC National Renter Survey found that 35% of renters are charged convenience or service fees for paying rent through certain methods, such as credit/debit cards, checks, or cash.
Why it matters: Additional fees can make already-unaffordable housing even more difficult to maintain.
https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/2025_National_Renter_Survey.pdf (See page 12)
CALIFORNIA
Proposition 1: Veteran & Housing Assistance Programs Bond Measure
Coming November 3, 2026
California voters will consider Proposition 1, a $11.25 billion general obligation bond measure that includes funding for affordable housing programs and approximately $1.25 billion for the state's veteran home loan program.
Why it matters for veterans: The measure could provide additional resources for veteran homeownership and housing programs across California.
https://calbudgetcenter.org/resources/proposition-1-californias-veterans-and-affordable-housing-bond/
LOS ANGELES
Homelessness Increased in the City of Los Angeles
The 2026 Point-in-Time Count shows homelessness in the City of Los Angeles increased 3.4%, reaching an estimated 45,194 people experiencing homelessness. Unsheltered homelessness increased 7.9%.
Why it matters: The increase highlights the continued need for housing production, homelessness prevention, supportive services, and resources that help people move from homelessness into permanent housing.
https://lamag.com/homelessness/homelessness-may-be-up-mayor-karen-bass-blames-federal-policies
Understanding the Point-in-Time Count
Not familiar with how the annual homeless count works?
LAist created a short video explaining the Point-in-Time Count, how it is conducted, and what the numbers mean.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KJ3rbVme0KQ
Housing & the 2028 Olympics
As Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, security zones around venues could affect people experiencing homelessness who live or shelter in those areas.
Exact security perimeters are still being determined.
Why it matters: Housing and homelessness providers will need to continue monitoring how Olympic planning may affect people experiencing homelessness and the availability of services around venue areas.
https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/la-olympics-unhoused-people-venues-plan
Following the Money: United to House LA
The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) maintains public dashboards tracking United to House LA (ULA) revenue and spending.
ULA is a major local funding source for affordable housing and homelessness prevention.
The dashboards allow the public and community partners to track revenue, programs, and investments.
https://housing.lacity.gov/ula-dashboard
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