1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned resident of Boston to express my deep apprehension regarding the proposed federal cuts to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. These cuts threaten the housing stability of thousands of families in our community. According to recent reports, the Trump administration's budget proposal includes a 43% reduction—approximately $26.7 billion—in federal housing assistance programs, including Section 8 vouchers. Such drastic cuts could result in the termination of nearly 8,000 vouchers in Boston alone, potentially displacing over 11,000 children and pushing families back into homelessness. The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) has already alerted landlords to brace for these potential cuts, emphasizing the severe impact on both tenants and property owners. Many landlords rely on these subsidies to maintain their properties and support their tenants. The elimination of these funds could destabilize our housing market and erode the fabric of our communities. Moreover, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has begun implementing changes to its federal voucher programs due to rising costs and insufficient federal funding. These changes include cuts to special benefits previously provided to tenants and reductions in payment standards, further increasing the financial burden on low-income households. I urge you to take immediate action to oppose these proposed cuts and advocate for the preservation and expansion of federal housing assistance programs. Housing is a fundamental human right, and it is imperative that we protect our most vulnerable residents from the devastating consequences of these budget reductions. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I am confident that, with your leadership, we can work towards ensuring safe and affordable housing for all members of our community.