With homelessness rising, new federal rules could benefit states that take tougher approaches

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

As the housing shortage pushes more Americans into homelessness for the first time, the Trump administration wants to focus federal housing aid on mental health treatment and enforcement against street homelessness, rather than on finding people permanent homes as quickly as possible.

The administration’s new plan to tie federal housing aid to work requirements and drug treatment could be a boon to states such as Alabama, Florida and Wyoming that already are pursuing that strategy. But for many other states — and nonprofit providers across the country — the rules represent a sudden pivot from past expectations. In California, the new federal funding priorities face a direct conflict with state law.

Under new rules announced last month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will place new restrictions on $3 billion in homelessness aid, allowing no more than 30% of federal grants to be used for permanent housing. That approach, known as Housing First, prioritizes getting people into safe, stable housing ahead of other treatment and enforcement, and had been a key focus for the federal government’s Continuum of Care Program for homelessness.

Now, HUD’s new rules — a shift to Treatment First policies — could result in a major reprioritization of who gets funding and for what purpose. Backlash from many nonprofits and homelessness service providers across the country has been swift, and 20 states and Washington, D.C., have filed suit to stop the rules, arguing they violate federal law. Several cities and counties across the country also have joined a lawsuit against the department.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/12/07/repub/with-homelessness-rising-new-federal-rules-could-benefit-states-that-take-tougher-approaches/

[Johnny2X2X]

1. Horrific

They're criminalizing being poor.

[mvd]

2. Yep, they have no compassion at all

And a criminal is in the WH. I can relate to the article because I’m scared. A sheriff sale is scheduled for Jan 28 and I don’t know if mom and I can avoid it this time. We tried calling the mortgage company and telling them about mom’s age and blood prsssure problems. If that doesn’t work, I’ll see if any legal options are left.

[Lovie777]

3. They might deport them to blue states.............

red states have been doing that for years especially to California.

[Buckeyeblue]

4. I don't think that criminalizing the unhoused is the answer but what is

For people who want help, there seems to be help available. However, what do we do about those who don't want help. My guess is that most of these people are mentally ill. How do we help people who don't want help? And not doing anything isn't an option.