The New England Council Voices Concern Over Proposed HUD Changes to CoC Program
On November 24, 2025, the New England Council wrote to Secretary Scott Turner of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as well as to Chair Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro of the House Appropriations Committee, expressing serious concern about recent policy changes to the Continuum of Care program. The proposed change would shift a significant portion of funding from permanent housing assistance to transitional housing models that include work or service requirements.
In the letter, the Council highlights concerns that the changes could reduce funding for permanent housing from nearly 90% of program resources to only 30%, impose a shortened application timeline that risks continuity during winter months, and limit local flexibility at a time when communities need discretion to address conditions on the ground. These shifts run counter to extensive research demonstrating that permanent supportive housing leads to stronger outcomes and lower overall costs, especially for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness.
The Council urges HUD to pause implementation, fully consult with regional and local stakeholders, maintain the current two-year funding process, and work collaboratively to preserve housing stability while advancing program integrity and accountability.
For more information on this issue or the Council’s Housing Working Group, please contact Natasha Silva.