Oppose Harmful Housing Rules That Could Increase Homelessness

I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed rules from the Trump administration that could potentially strip federal housing assistance from approximately 4 million people. These rules, which would allow work requirements, time limits on federally supported housing, and the removal of aid from families with undocumented members, pose a serious threat to the stability and well-being of countless American families. The first proposed rule would permit local housing authorities and landlords to implement work requirements of up to 40 hours per week and impose time limits as short as two years on assistance for major federal housing programs. This could have devastating consequences for individuals who are unable to meet these stringent requirements due to various circumstances such as disability, caregiving responsibilities, or lack of job opportunities in their area. The second rule targets mixed-status households, making families with undocumented members ineligible for assistance, with few exceptions. It would also require U.S. citizens to provide proof of citizenship to receive or continue receiving housing assistance. This rule could tear families apart and leave many vulnerable individuals, including children who are U.S. citizens, without a roof over their heads. Housing advocates and researchers have raised serious concerns about the potential negative impacts of these rules. They warn that implementation could lead to increased homelessness and severe hardship for low-income families. We've seen similar proposals during Trump's first term that were not implemented, and the Biden administration wisely withdrew a similar rule proposal in 2021. I urge you to take immediate action to prevent these harmful rules from being implemented. We need policies that support stable housing for all Americans, not ones that threaten to increase homelessness and poverty. Please use your position to advocate for the protection of federal housing assistance programs and oppose any measures that would make it harder for families to access safe, affordable housing. The well-being of our communities and the lives of millions of Americans depend on your swift and decisive action.