Faith leaders, lawmakers, and housing advocates are convening at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis for a 12-hour vigil to protest significant cuts to housing programs announced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The event, titled “Losing Sleep, Losing Homes,” aims to urge HUD officials to reverse their recent decision to cap funding for housing programs linked to voluntary support services.
The vigil commences at noon on March 12, 2024, featuring speakers and a candlelight ceremony, and will continue until 07:00 the following morning. The gathering highlights the urgent need for affordable housing amid a backdrop of proposed budget cuts.
HUD’s announcement last week revealed plans to reduce national funding from $2.3 billion to $1.2 billion. This cap will directly impact Continuum of Care (CoC) grants, which are designed to combat homelessness through support from non-profit organizations and local governments. Housing advocates warn that these cuts could slash supportive housing funds by half, potentially leading to program closures that would exacerbate the existing housing crisis.
According to HUD officials, the CoC program, which prioritizes housing placements over sobriety, has been ineffective in addressing homelessness. A HUD 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.”
Chris LaTondresse, president and chief executive officer at Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, emphasized the personal stakes involved in these funding cuts. He noted that the vigil was inspired by individuals like Betty Allen, who relies on supportive housing and is now facing uncertainty regarding her assistance.
“The vigil is called losing sleep, losing home,” LaTondresse said. “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.”
The event brings together a diverse group of participants, all united in their commitment to advocate for those affected by potential funding reductions. Organizers hope that their collective voice will resonate with HUD officials and prompt a reconsideration of the proposed cuts.
As discussions around housing continue to evolve, the vigil at the Basilica of St. Mary serves as a critical reminder of the human impact of financial decisions made at the federal level. The outcome of this protest may influence future policies regarding housing support, underscoring the importance of community engagement in addressing homelessness.
