Protecting Pathways to Housing Stability

Over the past several years, Friends of the Family has successfully reduced homelessness across the communities we serve. This progress has been driven by proven interventions that help individuals facing significant barriers access housing more quickly and achieve long-term stability through supportive case management.

Unfortunately, changes being considered at the federal level could significantly alter how housing services are delivered. Federal policymakers are proposing a shift away from the Housing First model and toward more costly interventions, such as transitional housing. Supporters of these changes point to rising homelessness rates nationally and argue that alternative approaches are needed to address the underlying causes of homelessness.

What does this mean for our communities? Friends of the Family is at risk of losing four highly successful housing programs that currently provide more than 50 housing units across our service region. Despite consistently exceeding HUD performance measures year after year, these programs face an uncertain future.

Moving away from policies that have helped millions of Americans secure stable housing could have serious consequences for the people we serve. If funding is lost, approximately 50 households could lose the housing support and services they rely on during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

This issue is not about Friends of the Family. It is about the families, individuals, and children who need a pathway to stability and a safe place to call home.

We encourage community members, local leaders, and advocates to make their voices heard. If you believe everyone deserves access to safe, stable housing and the opportunity to thrive, now is the time to speak up. Together, we can advocate for proven solutions, support our neighbors in need, and work toward creating a safer, stronger community for all.

-- Ben Brustkern, Friends of the Family CEO