Governor Newsom Sues Trump Over Cuts to Homeless Housing Funds
California Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated legal action against former President Donald Trump, concerning recent cuts to funding for homeless housing programs. The lawsuit comes as a response to new provisions announced by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which introduce restrictions that threaten financial support for successful housing initiatives.
Funding Cuts and Their Impact
HUD’s new rules, part of the 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) funding guidelines, limit the allocation of funds to permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing to just 30%. This change could hinder organizations that have successfully addressed homelessness across California. In the previous year, California’s CoCs received over $683 million, with 90% allocated to permanent housing projects. The new regulations could strip funding from vital services, jeopardizing housing stability for many.
At-Risk Populations
The impending cuts from the Trump administration could endanger housing for various vulnerable groups, including:
- Older adults
- Families with children
- Veterans
- Individuals with disabilities
- Transition-aged youth
- People relying on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, and foster care
California’s strategies, aimed at decreasing unsheltered homelessness, could face significant setbacks if these proposed funding cuts are allowed to proceed.
Legal Arguments Against Cutbacks
Attorney General Rob Bonta states that the significant changes to funding eligibility, initiated without congressional authorization, are illegal and unfounded. The lawsuit argues these alterations contrast with Congress’s goals, which emphasize utilizing funds for proven strategies. Existing funding mechanisms support California’s Housing First policy, demonstrated to effectively reduce homelessness rates.
Statewide Efforts Against Homelessness
The actions taken by the Newsom administration outline a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness through various initiatives:
- Mental Health Services: Expansion of community treatment centers and housing support, with the approval of Proposition 1, allocating $6.4 billion for mental health and supportive housing.
- Updated Conservatorship Laws: Revisions to laws concerning personal safety and medical care to assist individuals experiencing mental health issues.
- Building Housing: Introduction of reforms to streamline housing construction, reducing systemic barriers that previously impeded progress.
- Local Government Support: Financing programs to assist local governments in creating shelters and support systems for those in need.
- Clearing Encampments: An executive order aimed at addressing encampments humanely while connecting individuals to necessary resources.
Measurement of Success
Statistics illustrate the effectiveness of these initiatives. California recorded a slight overall increase in homelessness of 3%, significantly lower than the national average of 18% in 2024. The state also achieved a notable reduction in veteran homelessness and particular advances in decreasing youth homelessness.
Governor Newsom emphasizes the importance of maintaining funding for effective housing solutions. The legal action against the Trump administration strives to protect the vulnerable populations in California who could be severely impacted by funding cuts. As this battle unfolds, the focus remains on finding lasting and humane solutions to the statewide homelessness crisis.
