On Friday, President Donald Trump unveiled his initial budget proposal for his second term, urging Congress to reduce funding for various low-income housing programs and to revise the Section 8 housing voucher system.
The plan states that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would no longer oversee programs like Section 8 and other existing voucher systems. Instead, the federal government would allocate smaller block grants to states, allowing them to develop their own rental assistance programs tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
The proposal from the Trump administration would also introduce a two-year cap on rental assistance for able-bodied adults. Officials contend that this adjustment would focus support on elderly and disabled Americans, who may find it challenging to earn an independent income.
Section 8 vouchers help families cover rent for apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. The shift to block grants would give local governments more authority but is expected to reduce the total amount of federal funding available. Advocates express concern that this could lead to significant rent increases and result in more families facing homelessness.
Currently, over 23,000 federal vouchers assist low-income families in affording market-rate housing across various states. If Trump’s plan is implemented, this vital support could be jeopardized, putting millions of families at risk of losing their homes.
