The White House has proposed a reform of the rental assistance program, allowing states to design their own systems, but capping aid for able-bodied adults to two years. Critics argue that such cuts could significantly increase homelessness, with experts predicting an unprecedented escalation. Currently, only about 25% of eligible households receive aid, and the proposed changes could diminish local control and prioritize temporary solutions over long-term housing. Additionally, the federal budget proposal suggests cuts to affordable housing initiatives, raising concerns about broader societal impacts, including healthcare and education strain.
Currently, only about one in four eligible households receives rental aid. Cutting that really feels like cutting into bone, said Ann Oliva.
Homelessness is a very local issue, she [Ann Oliva] said. It happens in people's neighborhoods, it happens on city blocks and in city streets.
Kim Johnson of the National Low Income Housing Coalition told NPR that she thinks homelessness [could] escalate in a way that has been really unprecedented, and unheard of.
Jessica Kubicki of The Housing Collective in Connecticut warned of ripple effects, pointing to increased demand for emergency rooms, food assistance and overcrowded schools.
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