Categories: Federal
07.08.2025
As Americans prepare to celebrate July 4th, the Supportive Housing Network of New York (the Network) is sounding the alarm over proposed federal funding that threatens the programs providing stable housing to the veterans who have fought and served to preserve our country’s independence.
Across the state, more than 7,400 formerly homeless veterans live in supportive housing units that provide a combination of deeply affordable rent and services to ensure they remain stably housed, though housing experts believe this figure is likely an undercount.
For years, New York has led the nation in combatting veteran homelessness. According to a 2023 report by the state comptroller’s office, that success has been largely driven by New York City’s efforts that have been supported by a significant federal investment.
In 2010, 5,857 veterans experienced homelessness statewide, comprising 16% of all households experiencing homelessness. In 2024, this decreased to just 1,180, or 1% of the total homeless population statewide. These gains are now threatened by the funding cuts proposed by the Trump administration and under consideration by the Republican-led Congress.
“The cuts on the table on Capitol Hill are dangerous for all vulnerable individuals, but when it comes to formerly homeless veterans, it is profoundly un-American to even consider reductions that threaten their housing,” said Pascale Leone, Executive Director of the Network. “These are individuals who have fought on the front lines to protect our nation. As we mark the anniversary of our nation’s hard-won independence, we must not turn our backs on the people who selflessly served to get us to the moment.”
“Veterans make up just seven percent of the general population, yet they account for nearly 16% of adults experiencing homelessness,” said Mark Fuller, President of DePaul. “On any given night, more than 40,000 veterans are without a home. The proposed federal cuts threaten to undo decades of progress in reducing veteran homelessness and would increase housing instability and homelessness among those who have already sacrificed so much.
DePaul believes we have a moral obligation to ensure those who served our country can access the housing, care, and dignity they deserve.”
Two of the most significant proposed federal funding cuts would eliminate the New York City Continuum of Care (CoC) program and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program. CoC directly funds supportive housing, databases tracking homelessness to direct resources, and coordinated entry — a system that helps match people with the housing opportunities that work best for their needs. HOPWA has provided decades of stable housing and services to low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.
Losing these programs would undercut the supportive housing community’s progress at the state and local levels, including the significant additional funding gained in the recently- enacted 2025-26 state budget. These setbacks would occur at a time when homelessness has reached record highs, and New Yorkers across the state are struggling in the face of a significant affordability crisis.
“We have seen how collaboration at every level can change the lives of veterans facing homelessness,” said Frank Amalfitano, President and CEO of United Veterans Beacon House. “It would be a serious setback to lose that momentum. We remain hopeful that leaders will continue to support the programs that make this progress possible.”
“Long Island and New York City have made remarkable strides in reducing veteran homelessness, proving what’s possible with sustained support and collaboration,” said Ralph Fasano, Executive Director of Concern for Independent Living. “But looming HUD budget cuts and arbitrary time limits on assistance now threaten to unravel that hard-won progress and put vulnerable veterans back at risk.”
"Hudson River Housing is proud to offer a range of housing solutions for veterans facing homelessness, including both supportive and affordable housing programs that have helped many individuals who bravely served our country find stability and rebuild their lives,” said Christa Hines, President and CEO of Hudson River Housing. “These programs would not be possible without critical federal funding, which truly honors and gives back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. As we celebrate this 4th of July holiday with our families and loved ones, we should take some time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served and recognize the vital role we all play in ensuring they have a safe, stable place to call home.”
Beyond direct supportive housing cuts, the reconciliation bill in Washington also proposes slashing billions of dollars every year from health services and SNAP benefits, which will undoubtedly impact the supportive housing community, potentially forcing vulnerable individuals to spend more on food and healthcare, with less left over to cover rent.
This Independence Day, the Network urges members of the New York congressional delegation to stand up for their constituents – including veterans – and reject these draconian cuts. America cannot be a nation of opportunity for all, the land of the free and the home of the brave, if we refuse to support the very individuals who serve to defend those ideals.
“On this Independence Day, we should remember that ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’ all depend on the ability to access affordable, high-quality housing – something that’s too often taken for granted,” said Bruce Buckley, CEO and President of Soldier On. “The men and women who, since the birth of this country, have fought to protect our rights and freedom, sometimes losing their lives or creating scars that impact them for life. They deserve our support and respect. The proposed federal funding cuts to housing programs that serve all vulnerable people – especially veterans – undermine the values on which this great country was founded and should be rejected.
"As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July and honor the birth of our nation’s independence, we must also remember the veterans whose sacrifices have kept that independence secure,” said Sondra Young, Executive Director of Albany Housing Coalition. “These brave men and women didn’t hesitate when duty called, yet now, some in Washington propose cutting the very support systems veterans rely on. Slashing funding for veterans' health care, housing, and essential services doesn’t just break a promise; it threatens the dignity and well-being of those who risked everything to protect ours. Patriotism means more than fireworks; it means taking care of those who’ve taken care of us."