Cuts to vital food and housing programs risk unraveling a tightly linked support structure that strengthens the fabric of our communities.
Across the country, rising food and housing costs are pushing families to the brink—while critical resources are being pulled away. Recent and pending federal cuts to vital nutrition and housing programs threaten to deepen the crisis, undermining not just individual stability but the strength and resilience of entire communities.
The Issue
Congress passed and the President signed a bill cutting SNAP by $186 billion, the largest reduction in the program’s history. Meanwhile, a proposed 43% cut to federal rental assistance in the FY 2026 budget threatens to deepen the economic security crisis. These cuts will devastate families and have a ripple effect across communities:
- Families will be forced to make impossible choices between food, housing, healthcare, and other essentials.
- Communities will face increased instability and declining wellbeing as cuts reduce access to basic services people rely on to thrive.
- Local economies will see job losses and increased demand for food, housing support, and other social services.
Why it Matters
Every community in every ZIP code should be a place where people can live their healthiest lives. Regardless of race or income, everyone should have a safe, affordable home, easy access to healthy food, clean water, and good job opportunities. SNAP and federal rental assistance programs have been vital lifelines. Protecting these programs means protecting the stability and dignity of millions of families and communities.