Regional homelessness commission warns HUD funding change could cut permanent-housing dollars locally

Duane Dreiling and Dr. Keri Ciccheta, leaders of the Joplin Regional Commission on Homelessness, updated the Joplin City Council on Dec. 1 about staffing, governance reforms and an urgent change in federal funding priorities that could reduce permanent-housing support locally.

Tammy Walker, representing the collaborative applicant and the area’s coordinated-entry system, told councilors that the latest HUD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) caps permanent housing at 30% of the annual renewal demand. "Last year we were approved for $794,782 for seven projects; the cap reduces permanent-housing eligibility to roughly $238,435," she said, adding that the change forces providers to compete for a smaller share of funding and shifts HUD’s emphasis toward transitional programs and recovery-focused services.

Why it matters: Walker said the reduction represents a substantial loss for local permanent-supportive housing, estimating the local permanent-housing portfolio represented services to about 166 individuals last year. She warned that some rapid-rehousing and permanent-support programs may not be competitive under the new NOFO and that providers are already calculating program impacts and searching for alternative funding. The National Alliance to End Homelessness, Walker said, filed suit against HUD over the changes; the outcome and timing remain uncertain.

Commission priorities: Ciccheta described near-term operational priorities — governance refinement, clarifying roles for coordinated entry and HMIS (the Homeless Management Information System), expanding HMIS data quality and staffing, increasing stakeholder engagement and training, and pursuing grants to shore up capacity. Duane Dreiling said the commission reposted the director role after a departure and expects to complete interviews soon with the aim of onboarding a new director early in the new year.

Council response: Councilors pressed for clarity on local exposure and on whether regionwide partners (Jasper and Newton counties, hospitals and providers) would share the burden. Several council members urged the commission to continue pursuing diverse funding sources and to report back as the NOFO litigation and final application requirements develop.

Next steps: The commission will continue the hiring process, pursue HMIS improvements and coordinate with partners to identify alternative funding and service pathways. Council requested continuing updates given the potential near-term impacts to local housing stability.