Oppose Cuts to HUDs Disaster Recovery Unit

Today I’m writing to urge you to oppose any budget and staff cuts at the Office of Community Planning and Development, part of HUD. The huge cuts proposed (80% of staff) will severely hamper Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) ability to aid communities recovering from natural disasters. Most states that have suffered disasters in recent months like Florida, California, Texas, North Carolina, to name a few, will be slow to rebuild, and that will mean an economic hit to the regions affected. HUD's disaster recovery programs provide vital funding for rebuilding affordable housing, infrastructure, and services in areas impacted by hurricanes, wildfires, and other catastrophic events. Slashing these programs is reckless and disregards communities. It will leave vulnerable populations without adequate support during their greatest time of need. Climate-related disasters also displace thousands. We urge you to reject any cuts that undermine HUD's capacity to assist Americans displaced by climate-related disasters which are increasing in frequency and severity due to global warming. Instead, we must protect and enhance disaster recovery initiatives in the era of climate emergency. It’s essential to helping communities rebuild and do it in a smart way that will reduce future shocks. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.