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LA County braces for potential federal funding cuts to housing and homelessness services
An encampment in Skid Row the day after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on homelessness.
(
Apu Gomes
/
Photo by Adriana Heldiz
)
Topline:
The Los Angeles region is at risk of losing millions of dollars in federal funding for some homelessness services because of a Trump Administration order that aims to end support for Housing First policies, county authorities said.
Why now: The budget update came Tuesday during a report to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors during its regular meeting.
Sarah Mahin, director of the county’s first Department of Homeless Services and Housing, said President Donald Trump’s July 24 executive order could significantly impact the county’s ability to provide services to unhoused Angelenos, specifically programs that prioritize moving people into permanent housing.
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“This executive order comes amidst federal budget cuts and legislation curtailing access to social safety net programs for some of our most vulnerable populations,” Mahin said. “It will strain limited resources to end homelessness in an already drastically reduced fiscal environment.”
Background: Last fiscal year, the L.A. region received more than $220 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, known as HUD, for housing and other services for unhoused people. Most of that funding — about $150 million — went toward permanent supportive housing, Mahin said.
What's next: County officials say they’re waiting for more information from HUD before determining how to proceed.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
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