How Federal HUD Funding Changes Could Impact Georgia Housing Programs

Homeless service organizations across Georgia are preparing for major changes to the federal funding they use to help people move from homelessness into housing.

More than $75 million in HUD funding flows to homelessness programs across Georgia. Proposed changes to HUD's Continuum of Care program would shift federal priorities away from permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing and place greater emphasis on transitional housing, supportive services and treatment.

Atlanta Could Face a Multimillion-Dollar Gap

Atlanta has a lot at stake.

The Atlanta Continuum of Care has a budget of approximately $14.5 million for housing people experiencing chronic homelessness. Partners for HOME, which carries out projects approved through Atlanta's CoC, says most of that funding currently supports permanent supportive housing. About 900 Atlanta households are served each year.

If the federal changes take effect, funding gaps could begin appearing as existing projects expire.

Partners for HOME CEO Cathryn Vassell says the organization expects to seek approximately $3.5 million from philanthropic sources to help cover those gaps and prevent hundreds of people from potentially returning to homelessness.

Other Georgia Communities Are Preparing Too

Atlanta isn't alone.

In Columbus, approximately $1.4–$1.5 million in available funding could fall to just over $500,000.

In Athens-Clarke County, officials estimate about 45 permanent housing units could be affected.

Macon's rapid rehousing program expects to maintain more than $330,000 in annual HUD funding, but participants may face new requirements, including completing services such as financial literacy before receiving housing assistance.

What Happens Now?

The changes aren't settled.

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction affecting HUD's effort to implement the new funding approach, leaving Georgia organizations preparing for rules that could still change.

For Atlanta, the immediate concern is maintaining programs already housing people.

If federal dollars shrink or become harder to use for permanent housing, local governments, nonprofits and private philanthropy may have to fill more of the gap.

Sources: Georgia Public Broadcasting