Congress has released the final, compromise version of the fiscal year (FY) 2012 funding legislation for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. Overall, the bill would cut funding for HUD programs compared to FY 2011. The legislation includes:

• $1.901 billion for HUD's McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants (the same as in FY 2011), including $250 million for the Emergency Solutions Grant program;
• $18.91 billion for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, including $75 million for new HUD-VASH (HUD - VA Supportive Housing) vouchers;    
• $2.95 billion for Community Development Block Grants (about $390 million less than in FY 2011);    
• $1 billion for the HOME program (approximately $600 million less than in FY 2011)
• $1.88 billion for the Public Housing Capital Fund (approximately $165 million less than in FY 2011); and
• $3.96 billion for the Public Housing Operating Fund (approximately $655 million less than in FY 2011).   

Given the magnitude of cuts to many key programs, the fact that Congress protected funding for homeless assistance programs is a HUGE testament to how much Members of Congress appreciate and value your work to prevent and end homelessness.

However, as the effects of the recession linger, homelessness is on the rise in many places. With funding from the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) running out and deep cuts to many state and local budgets, we MUST make sure Congress provides adequate resources to meet the growing need and to implement the strategies needed to solve homelessness once and for all. We need to urge Members of Congress to demonstrate their commitment to ending homelessness by protecting and expanding critical affordable housing and homelessness programs.  

Here's What You Can Do:

1. Call your representatives' and senators' offices. Ask to speak to the person who handles housing issues. Congressional office phone numbers can be found by calling the congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121.   
2. Express your disappointment that the final FY 2012 HUD funding bill makes deep cuts to key HUD programs. Explain the importance of affordable housing and homelessness programs in your community.
3. Let him/her know that you hope Congress will focus more on protecting critical HUD affordable housing and homelessness programs in the future.

The Alliance would like to thank you for the INCREDIBLE amount of work you all put into this advocacy effort. Despite deep cuts to many HUD programs, homeless assistance programs were protected - and even increased in the case of HUD-VASH - because of all of YOUR hard work! In fact, the House McKinney sign-on letter circulating last week got an incredible 48 signatures in less than a week. All of this speaks to how well Congress understands the importance and success of your work to prevent and end homelessness.