New York's top Attorney General Letitia James is leading a coalition of over a dozen states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for cutting funding to programs that provide housing for thousands of people who have been homeless. The administration has announced plans to slash two-thirds of funding for long-term housing programs and redirect it towards short-term accommodations with mandatory work or treatment requirements.
The move, which would cost New York City $109 million, is expected to drive up homelessness in the city as supportive housing programs are phased out. "This is basically just taking a giant step backwards from what we know works," said Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services. Providers who support people with mental illness or other special needs will struggle to continue their services.
The decision has been criticized by advocates for its focus on treating the symptoms rather than the root cause of homelessness - lack of affordable housing. "Research will show time and time again that the root cause of homelessness is a lack of affordable housing," said Pascale Leone, executive director of the Supportive Housing Network of New York.
The lawsuit argues that the new conditions determining who can be helped by grant dollars are unlawful because they could potentially shut people out of aid if they have mental illness. The coalition of attorneys general and governors also claim that the move punishes those who do not align with the administration's policies, including allowing people to identify as non-binary or having a disability.
The move follows President Trump's July executive order which aimed to shift away from a "housing-first" strategy in favor of one that prioritizes treatment programs. This would have a ripple effect on other programs and projects, shifting resources away from permanent housing and towards short-term solutions.
The move, which would cost New York City $109 million, is expected to drive up homelessness in the city as supportive housing programs are phased out. "This is basically just taking a giant step backwards from what we know works," said Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services. Providers who support people with mental illness or other special needs will struggle to continue their services.
The decision has been criticized by advocates for its focus on treating the symptoms rather than the root cause of homelessness - lack of affordable housing. "Research will show time and time again that the root cause of homelessness is a lack of affordable housing," said Pascale Leone, executive director of the Supportive Housing Network of New York.
The lawsuit argues that the new conditions determining who can be helped by grant dollars are unlawful because they could potentially shut people out of aid if they have mental illness. The coalition of attorneys general and governors also claim that the move punishes those who do not align with the administration's policies, including allowing people to identify as non-binary or having a disability.
The move follows President Trump's July executive order which aimed to shift away from a "housing-first" strategy in favor of one that prioritizes treatment programs. This would have a ripple effect on other programs and projects, shifting resources away from permanent housing and towards short-term solutions.
. The "housing-first" strategy works so much better, it's not just about fixing the symptoms, it's about giving people a place to call home and start rebuilding their lives. The fact that they're punishing people for being non-binary or having a disability is just wrong 
. We need to focus on affordable housing and make sure everyone has access to safe and stable homes, not just short-term fixes that might leave them more vulnerable than before. Here's a simple mind map of the problem:
This move is gonna hurt the most vulnerable folks in our city. We need to hold them accountable for their actions, not punish people for existing differently. 
The Trump admin is basically ruining the lives of homeless people in NY by slashing funding for long-term housing programs 
. I mean, what's the point of having a "housing-first" strategy if it just ends up being a Band-Aid on a bullet wound? 
They're not addressing the real issue here - affordable housing is a CRISIS 
. And now they're gonna punish people who can't conform to their narrow definition of success? No way, that's messed up 
. I'm all for helping people get back on their feet, but this approach is just gonna push more people onto the streets. Providers are already struggling to keep their services afloat, and now they're gonna have to cut corners even further? 
. This lawsuit is a good start, but we gotta do more to hold them accountable 
.
it's like they're trying to break the homeless people instead of helping them. the 'housing-first' strategy worked so well already why change now? and what about ppl with mental illness or disabilities who need more support not less? 
and it's all cuz of trump wanting to shift resources away from permanent housing towards short-term solutions which sounds like a total fail 
. We need more affordable housing, not less! The fact that they're gonna cut funding to programs that actually help people is just cruel. What's next, takin' away healthcare for those who can't afford it? No way, we gotta stand up against this and fight for what's right 