The May 12 national HoUSed campaign call focused on HUD-proposed regulatory changes and Congressional updates.
SAGE Manager of Housing Policy Josh Dubensky and Advocates for Trans Equality Senior National Organizer Devon Ojeda discussed the Equal Access Rule (EAR) and the administration’s proposed changes to it. Dubensky provided background, a policy used to ensure that HUD-funded services are not denied based on factors such as sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. Dubensky explained how HUD’s proposed changes would remove all references to gender identity, make access to shelter dependent on biological sex, and force providers to discriminate while encouraging them to make inquiries into a person’s sex. While highlighting HUD’s justifications for these changes, Dubensky emphasized their lack of evidence and authority, setting the stage for organizations’ advocacy efforts, during which Ojeda highlighted resources, ways to take action, and opportunities to stay engaged.
NLIHC Senior Policy Advisor Renee Williams briefly followed up on the EAR conversation by noting HUD’s efforts to distance itself from disparate impact theory before moving to other HUD-proposed regulatory changes, specifically the HOME Program. Williams defined how HOME funds can be used for rental housing and rental assistance, like security deposit assistance, with income targeting. After providing this overview, Williams offered a history of HOME regulations dating back to 2013—where, notably, in January 2025, the final rule published meaningful tenant protections. However, Williams noted that aspects of the rule have yet to be implemented, and that the current supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would disempower tenants and remove protections related to personal information, income, and safety.
NLIHC Senior Director of Policy Kim Johnson expanded on the aforementioned policy updates by covering movements on the Hill: the expected vote on a bipartisan housing supply bill this week (likely, including language on institutional investors), HUD Secretary Scott Turner's committee hearings on the fiscal year 2027 budget request ending May 21, and a CHCDF sign-on letter urging funding for HUD and USDA programs. Johnson closed the call by sharing resources and next steps.
A recording of the call, along with presentation slides, is now available. Register here for NLIHC’s next national HoUSed campaign call on June 9 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET.
Equal Access Rule
- Access Advocates for Trans Equality’s EAR campaign website; advocacy toolkit; and comment portal.
- If you’re an organization and want to join their coalition, click here.
- Sign up here for SAGE and Advocates for Trans Equality’s EAR advocacy newsletter.
- Register for a national EAR advocacy webinar happening on May 20 at 2:00 pm ET!
HOME Rule
- Learn more about HUD’s proposed changes to HOME regulations here.
- Submit comments in opposition to the proposed rule.
- Access the National Housing Preservation Database here.
Policy Updates
- Join CHCDF’s sign-on letter urging for the highest possible funding for HUD and USDA affordable housing, homelessness, and community development programs with guardrails to ensure that funding reaches communities.
- Urge your members of Congress to provide increased funding in FY27 supporting programs people rely on for safe, affordable homes!
NLIHC’s national HoUSed campaign calls take place on the second and last Tuesday of every month, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET. Register for the series here and access NLIHC’s archive of HoUSed campaign recordings here.