Earlier this year President Trump announced a proposed budget cut of 44% to Affordable Housing. This proposed budget would cut funding from Rental Assistance Programs and Emergency Housing Voucher Programs across the United States. I explored how Housing Urban Development (HUD) funding directly impacts our community. 

  Dusti Dennis, Executive Director of the City's Housing Authority spoke about the President's purposed budget.  "As of right now, the threat of cuts before. Typically, it doesn't really amount to anything; I think that's because our members of the House and The Senate realize that these programs serve some of the most vulnerable members of their communities."

  In 2024 Erie received over 2.9 million dollars in HUD funding for the community Development Block Program, designed to develop urban communities by providing suitable living environment and expand economic opportunity.  Erie received over $260,000 for the Emergency Solutions Grants program made to help families at risk of homelessness regain stability. The city also received over $760,000 dollars from the Home Investment Partnership program to provide affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income residents.

  Dennis also says, regarding the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, “Renewal funding for the 2025 calendar year was increased.  The increase in funding will assist the Housing Authority in providing much needed rental assistance to our community."