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Staff warns federal changes could reduce long-term homeless services and restrict harm-reduction activities
Summary
HOHA staff reported that recent administrative changes to homeless-services funding may shorten awards, limit harm-reduction programs and cap employment-support housing spending to around 30% of Continuum of Care funds, potentially jeopardizing long-term supports for some residents.
A staff presentation at the Oct. 15 meeting flagged recent administrative shifts in homeless-services funding that staff said could alter local program priorities. Staff described one-year grant awards replacing prior two-year commitments and said changes include contract restrictions on harm-reduction approaches and a proposal to limit employment-support housing to 'no more than 30% of the funding we see from the COC.'
Staff noted these proposed changes could jeopardize long-term housing supports for individuals who rely on employment-support housing and long-term subsidies, while shifting funds toward transitional housing and other shorter-term interventions. The board did not enact any policy changes at the meeting; staff characterized the news as disappointing and said they will continue monitoring program guidance and reapplication requirements.
