Silicon Valley lawmakers speak out against homeless housing cuts - San Jose Spotlight

"Congressmembers Sam Liccardo and Zoe Lofgren and others are calling for a reversal of these cuts, which would cap federal funds for permanent housing at 30% and shift the rest to temporary housing programs. The county receives millions of dollars in Continuum of Care grants to provide rental subsidies and supportive services to vulnerable populations. Without these grants, more than 1,000 households could lose their housing in the near future, officials said."

"Continuum of Care grants are keeping 2,500 county residents stably housed, according to data provided by the county. Of the $48 million awarded in January, $44 million or about 92% goes to permanent housing programs. The 30% cap will restrict the county to house only 750 people in future permanent support housing or rapid rehousing programs, which provides rental subsidies for two years - with the understanding that recipients will become self-sufficient after the subsidies end."

"These programs help families such as Kaytanna Alvarido, Alberto Barragan and their 1-year-old son get off the streets sooner. The family walked into their apartment Monday, overwhelmed with joy, for the first time after being homeless for two years. "It's exciting and stress relieving, like a weight off our shoulders," Barragan told San José Spotlight. They were able to obtain rapid rehousing, only paying $218 every month for the next two years"

Santa Clara County leaders and local members of Congress are urging reversal of proposed federal cuts that would cap permanent housing funding at 30% and shift funds toward temporary programs. The county relies on Continuum of Care grants to provide rental subsidies and supportive services to vulnerable residents; $48 million was awarded in January and about $44 million (92%) funds permanent housing. Without these grants, more than 1,000 households could lose housing and the county would be limited to housing roughly 750 people in future permanent support or rapid rehousing programs. Rapid rehousing offers two-year rental subsidies toward self-sufficiency.

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