The city of Cambridge has joined a pivotal lawsuit against the Trump administration, which follows recent legal actions initiated by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and a coalition of 20 states in Rhode Island. This legal challenge emerges in response to significant funding cuts from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that threaten effective solutions for homelessness in the region.
Mayor Michelle Wu’s office alerted that the federal restrictions could result in a loss of $29 million allocated for permanent housing initiatives aimed at helping individuals transition out of homelessness in Boston. The lawsuit contends that HUD has unlawfully altered its funding programs, violating congressional intent by imposing new conditions, including a requirement that providers recognize only two genders.
“We fought them on the same grant last year and won,” Wu stated during a press event, emphasizing that the federal government’s recent actions appear to be a strategic shift following their previous legal defeat. She underscored the effectiveness of local initiatives, mentioning the successful efforts of organizations like Pine Street Inn that have historically contributed to dwindling homelessness rates in the city.
Boston has benefited from HUD grants since the 1990s through its Continuum of Care program, which funds services for veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of domestic violence. Chief of Housing Sheila A. Dillon highlighted the program’s vital role, stating, “Boston’s Continuum of Care funds the backbone of our work to house our homeless population.” She expressed concern that the proposed changes put residents reliant on permanent supportive housing at serious risk of losing their homes.
In 2023, Boston received approximately $48 million from this program, supporting 19 local nonprofits and over 2,000 households previously facing homelessness. However, a recent HUD announcement outlined new criteria that prioritize funding for temporary housing projects over permanent housing, imposing stringent service requirements that could destabilize established support systems.
Alongside Cambridge, cities including San Francisco, Nashville, Tucson, and various nonprofit organizations have joined the legal challenge to protect the funding necessary for essential services for vulnerable populations, including veterans and those with mental health challenges. Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune stressed the importance of the federal government’s responsibility to support housing initiatives rather than undermine them.
The 19 nonprofits benefiting from federal funds also contribute to local employment, supporting over 125 positions dedicated to assisting those in need. The ongoing legal fight is seen as critical to preserving the effectiveness of Boston’s “housing first” strategy, designed to rapidly transition individuals into stable housing with continued support.
As Boston looks to uphold its successful methods in combating homelessness, the community remains hopeful that the legal proceedings will reaffirm the necessity of federal support in providing housing solutions for its most vulnerable residents.