Categories: Network Events
09.16.2025
On Monday, September 15th, the Network stood in partnership with the Homes Can't Wait Coalition to rally against harmful federal budget cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and housing. Following the rally, the Network testified at a New York City Council oversight hearing on the devastating impacts these cuts would have on New Yorkers—particularly those relying on supportive housing.
At both the rally and hearing, the Network’s Director of Programs and Engagement, Joelle Ballam-Schwan, highlighted the grave risks posed to critical supportive housing programs — particularly the Continuum of Care (CoC) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). The Trump administration’s proposed budget would slash HUD funding by 44%, effectively eliminating HOPWA and drastically reducing support for CoC programs.
At the rally she said, “We cannot—and we will not—accept cuts that endanger lives, dismantle progress, and push people back into homelessness.”
In her testimony, she emphasized the critical role of the CoC program in addressing homelessness in New York: “The CoC program remains HUD’s best response to addressing the accelerating homelessness crisis. It funds coordinated housing, services, and local partnerships aimed at ending homelessness. New York City relies on approximately $165 million in CoC funding annually—including $78 million for rental assistance, supporting 7,148 units of permanent supportive housing.”
She warned that if the proposed cuts are enacted, thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers—including seniors, veterans, survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, and individuals with serious health conditions or disabilities—could lose their homes and access to vital services.
Read the full testimony HERE.