Advocates Rally Outside HUD Office to Demand Safe, Affordable Housing for All

Advocates gathered outside the HUD headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia on October 21 for the “Housing Now! National Day of Action” to demand changes to how HUD is responding to our nation’s ongoing affordable housing and homelessness crisis. Organized by the National Coalition for the Homeless, the event’s call to action focused on defending proven solutions to homelessness, rejecting the criminalization of homelessness, and protecting affordable housing programs.  

During the Trump administration, HUD has rejected the proven “housing first” model of addressing homelessness, attempting to drastically reduce the amount of funding that local and regional homelessness Continuums of Care (CoCs) can use for permanent supporting housing (the proposed change is currently being legally challenged). Additionally, around the country, hundreds of state and local governments have passed or tried to pass laws that criminalize homelessness, such as bans on sleeping in public spaces. These policies are cruel and inhumane, punishing people for simply trying to survive, and do not address the underlying cause of the homelessness crisis. People experiencing homelessness need a safe, affordable home, and supportive services.  

The event included speakers who have experienced homelessness and housing instability, advocates from housing organizations, faith leaders, and advocates from cross-sector groups. NLIHC Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Campaigns Chantelle Wilkinson spoke, calling out HUD for cutting programs when they are most needed. “At a moment when the need for affordable housing has never been more urgent, we are facing threats to federal housing investments; threats to programs that help families afford rent, preserve public housing, prevent homelessness, and strengthen our communities,” Wilkinson said. 

NLIHC and other housing and homelessness advocates around the country continue to push for full funding for federal housing and homelessness programs, and proven solutions to help people remain stably housed.  

Take Action!  

Urge your members of Congress to pass a final fiscal year 2027 spending bill that includes full funding for needed housing programs using NLIHC’s Take Action page!