Oklahoma agencies are voicing concerns over recent changes in federal homelessness funding announced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The shift moves away from the ‘housing first’ approach, instead prioritizing mental health and addiction treatment programs.
Impact on Local Communities
Local organizations, such as City Care in Oklahoma, worry that these changes could create barriers for those in need. Kori Hall, chief strategy officer at City Care, highlighted that not all individuals experiencing homelessness have substance use or mental health disorders. ‘When you look at the data, it shows that not every person experiencing homelessness is also using substances or has a mental health disorder or needs some type of recovery,’ Hall stated.
The new funding model requires participants to engage in activities such as counseling, treatment, education, volunteering, job training, or employment for at least 20 hours each week. While this aims to support recovery and self-sufficiency, local agencies fear it may exclude those who do not fit these criteria.
Challenges for Rural and Urban Areas
Hall also emphasized the potential negative impact on rural communities and smaller towns, where access to resources is already limited. ‘For rural communities and smaller towns, not having access to this funding could cause some of their programs to close,’ Hall explained. Urban areas, already stretched thin on resources, might also face closures or reductions in services.
The Trump administration has criticized the previous ‘housing first’ initiative for not delivering results and wasting funds. As a result, more than $4 billion in funding is now available nationwide under the new requirements.
Oklahoma’s agencies are now tasked with navigating these changes to continue supporting their communities effectively. The shift in federal policy underscores the ongoing debate over the best strategies to address homelessness, balancing immediate housing needs with long-term recovery and treatment.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
