What ⁢Happened

On ⁢November 25, 2025, a coalition of 19 attorneys general ⁤and two ‍state governors filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration.They allege that recent changes to funding‍ allocations and⁢ conditions⁤ within the Department of Housing⁢ and urban Development (HUD) jeopardize housing stability for thousands of‍ formerly homeless individuals and families,perhaps leading to evictions.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island, centers on new restrictions and funding cuts to the Continuum⁢ of Care (CoC) program announced⁢ by HUD earlier in ‍November. Plaintiffs ⁢argue these changes disadvantage⁤ services for people experiencing ‍homelessness, notably those with mental disabilities and substance use disorders.

The Core ⁤of the Dispute

The Democratic-led‍ states⁢ contend that the alterations to the CoC program⁣ have created “chaos” ⁤and that HUD ‍is improperly withholding congressionally ⁤approved funds, effectively holding vulnerable populations “hostage.” the lawsuit specifically challenges ⁢HUD’s new requirements for competitive funding and⁢ its shift away from prioritizing programs aligned with “housing Frist”⁢ policies.

New York Attorney General Letitia James ‍ emphasized the critical role of CoC funds, stating, “These funds ⁣help keep tens‍ of⁤ thousands of people from sleeping on the streets every night. I will not allow this administration ⁣to cut‍ off these funds ⁣and ⁤put vital housing and support services at risk.”

Understanding the ⁤Continuum of⁢ Care ⁤(CoC) Program

Established by‍ Congress in⁢ 1987, the Continuum of Care⁣ program ‍provides funding to states, local governments, and nonprofit ‍organizations to deliver housing and supportive services to individuals ⁢and families experiencing homelessness. The ‍program operates on the principle of coordinated community efforts to address‍ homelessness.

The CoC program is a crucial component of the federal response to homelessness, offering a ‍range of services including emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and rapid re-housing assistance.

HUD’s Outlook and the⁤ “Housing First” Debate

HUD Secretary Scott Turner has publicly criticized the CoC program for⁣ prioritizing organizations employing Housing First policies. ‍These‍ policies provide housing to ⁢individuals without preconditions like sobriety or a minimum income. Turner argued that this approach contradicts the⁢ department’s goal of funding the most effective and innovative programs.

Turner announced changes requiring 70% of projects to be selected through a competitive process. ‍This shift aims to prioritize programs demonstrating measurable ‍outcomes and alignment with ⁣HUD’s priorities. The⁢ administration believes a more ‍competitive ⁣process will lead to more effective use of taxpayer dollars.

Impact and affected Parties

The lawsuit’s outcome will directly affect:

• individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness: The changes could lead to reduced access to housing and support services.
• Nonprofit organizations: ⁢ Organizations relying on CoC funding may face financial instability and program ⁣cuts.
• State and⁤ local governments: Jurisdictions that depend on⁢ coc funds to address homelessness will need to adjust their strategies.

Timeline of Events