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Network Commends NJ GOP Delegation for Urging HUD to Protect Homeless Services 10/30/2025 The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) today commended U.S. Representatives Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), and Chris Smith (NJ-04) for joining a bipartisan call urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to renew all existing Continuum of Care (CoC) grants expiring in 2026 for an additional year. In a letter to HUD Secretary Scott Turner, the lawmakers emphasized the need to prevent service disruptions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The request aims to ensure continuity of housing and supportive services while HUD finalizes its next phase of homelessness policy reforms. “We’re appreciate that our Congressional representatives are standing up to protect critical housing and homelessness programs,” said Arnold Cohen, senior policy advisor, the Network. “This extension would safeguard vital services that thousands of New Jersey residents depend on to stay safe and stably housed.” HUD’s CoC program provides approximately $3.6 billion annually to local governments and nonprofit partners working to end homelessness. These funds sustain housing, rental assistance, and supportive services, including dedicated beds for veterans and individuals with disabilities. Earlier this year, HUD announced a two-year funding commitment for Fiscal Years 2024–2025 but has not yet issued the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY2025. Advocates across the country are concerned that reopening the application process rather than automatically renewing grants, as originally planned, could lead to significant funding gaps. According to national reports, HUD may conduct a new grant competition later this year. That process could delay funding into 2026, leaving people experiencing homelessness without rental assistance, case management, and other essential services for several months while new awards are made and programs restart. The letter signed by 22 members of the House Republican Caucus, stresses that such disruptions could particularly harm individuals with severe disabilities, chronic health conditions, or substance use disorders, as well as seniors living with disabilities. While the letter does not address broader policy changes under consideration, advocates have raised concerns about potential caps that would limit funding for permanent housing to only 30 percent of CoC grants, down from the current 87 percent. Analysts estimate such a shift could result in more than 170,000 people nationwide losing access to permanent housing assistance. “HUD’s Continuum of Care program has been one of the most effective tools in preventing homelessness,” said Cohen. “We urge HUD to keep its commitment and maintain the level of support that communities have counted on to help people find and keep a home.” The Network joins national housing and homelessness organizations in urging HUD to honor its two-year commitment, renew existing CoC grants for 2026, and protect the stability of local programs that prevent and end homelessness. About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ For more information: Nina Rainiero |
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