HUD policy shift threatens Georgia housing programs for unhoused people

Changes in the mission of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) could impact Georgia service providers for unhoused people. 

Georgia Public Broadcasting reports that Georgia’s providers have been focusing on a supportive housing model, which prioritizes housing before other services, such as mental health care and employment.

However, HUD is shifting to prioritize other services prior to housing.

The Georgia organizations receive over $75 million in federal funding. Although a coalition of states have filed a lawsuit in an attempt to stop the changes, Georgia groups are already reconsidering their priorities.

Pat Frey of the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley in Columbus told GPB that HUD recategorized their supportive housing work as worth only 30% of their current federal funding, which is just over $500,000 compared to almost $1.5 million.

Organizations like Frey’s have to reapply for funding by mid-January and justify the use of federal funds. Frey’s organization focuses on housing domestic violence victims and their families.

“If they want to switch the focus from permanent housing solutions to transitional housing solutions, that is all doable,” Frey said. “But it’s not doable in a span of 60 days when you have programs that are operating. They’re going to have to have transition time.”

Marci Irwin works with Athens-Clarke County Housing and Community Development Department, and she told GPB that changes to their HUD grant would lead to them losing about 45 units of permanent housing.

“I think some folks really need that permanent supportive housing model, but transitional housing definitely has a place in the system,” Irwin said. “Transitioning from one major focus for so many years to abruptly change has been what’s so frustrating.” 

Read the full story and its impact at www.gpb.org.