Faith leaders in Minneapolis are uniting with lawmakers and housing advocates to protest significant cuts to housing programs initiated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The “Losing Sleep, Losing Homes” vigil is set to take place at the Basilica of St. Mary on Tuesday, starting at noon and continuing through the night until 07:00 on Wednesday. The event aims to urge HUD officials to reconsider their recent funding alterations that threaten vital housing assistance.
The protest follows HUD’s announcement last week regarding a change in access to housing funds. The department has decided to impose a cap on spending for housing linked to voluntary support services, which will reduce national funding from $2.3 billion to $1.2 billion. This reduction will significantly impact the Continuum of Care (CoC) grants, which are designed to combat homelessness through non-profit organizations and state and local government initiatives.
Housing advocates are concerned that these cuts could lead to a decrease in supportive housing funds by as much as half, potentially resulting in program closures that would leave many individuals without necessary assistance. Chris LaTondresse, the president and chief executive officer of Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, expressed deep concerns about the implications of these funding cuts. He highlighted the personal impact of the issue, citing the example of Betty Allen, a woman currently relying on supportive housing who is now anxious about losing her housing assistance.
According to a HUD spokesperson, the Continuum of Care program has not been effective in addressing homelessness. The spokesperson stated, “Roughly 90% of the last four years CoC awards funneled funding to support the failed ‘Housing First’ ideology, which encourages dependence on endless government handouts while neglecting to address the root causes of homelessness.” This statement reflects a controversial stance on the efficacy of current support models.
The vigil will feature speakers and a candlelight ceremony to symbolize solidarity and raise awareness about the ongoing housing crisis. LaTondresse emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “The vigil is called losing sleep, losing home. It’s us standing in solidarity saying we will lose sleep because too many of our friends, neighbors, and fellow Americans and Minnesotans are losing homes.”
As the vigil approaches, the call for action is resonating throughout the community. Faith leaders and advocates are determined to bring attention to the critical nature of housing assistance and the potential consequences of the proposed funding cuts. The event underscores a growing concern for the welfare of vulnerable populations who rely on these essential services.
