Posted on January 30, 2025 View all news
Earlier this week, the White House directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to temporarily halt federal agencies from obligating or disbursing grants, loans, and financial assistance. This wide-ranging directive jeopardized critical funding for rental assistance, the preservation of affordable housing, public housing for seniors and people with disabilities, enforcement of fair housing and civil rights laws, disaster relief, and more.
Thanks to swift and widespread advocacy, this harmful directive has now been rescinded. The systems that allow federal grantees to access funds are back online, and HUD technical assistance has resumed. However, the confusion and disruption caused by this directive highlight the ongoing threats to the essential programs that support people experiencing homelessness.
Sarah’s Circle remains steadfast in our commitment to serving Chicago’s most vulnerable women, but we cannot do this work alone. We urge you to continue making your voice heard. Contact your senators and representatives to advocate for stable and sustained federal investment in housing and homelessness services. Let them know that even short-term disruptions in funding have real and devastating consequences for those in need.
Thank you to everyone who took action. Your advocacy made a difference, and we must keep up the momentum. Call (202) 224-3121 to be connected with your representatives, and encourage others to join this critical effort. Together, we can ensure that all women have a safe and stable place to call home.
