The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, a small agency focused on coordinating federal responses to homelessness, has been effectively shut down. This week, all its staff were placed on administrative leave, raising concerns about the future of homelessness policy in the country.
The council was created in 1987 to streamline government efforts to address homelessness. With fewer than 20 employees and a budget of just over $4 million, it played a vital role in coordinating resources and strategies across various federal agencies. Jeff Olivet, the council’s last executive director under President Biden, highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that the agency was designed for government efficiency.
President Trump recently included the council in an executive order aimed at reducing parts of the federal bureaucracy. While the council’s legal authority continues until 2028, the decision to place its employees on leave signals a significant shift in how the federal government approaches homelessness.
Olivet pointed out that during his leadership, the agency focused on the rising number of people experiencing homelessness. He noted that in several cities, including Dallas and Chicago, the council’s efforts helped prevent increases in unsheltered homelessness, even as overall numbers rose in many areas.
The agency also made strides in reducing homelessness among veterans, ensuring they received housing and healthcare. Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, emphasized the council’s importance in shaping effective policies to combat homelessness.
However, the Trump administration seems poised to take a different direction. There is a growing conservative backlash against the "housing first" approach, which prioritizes providing stable housing before addressing other issues like mental health or addiction. Critics of the agency’s shutdown worry that this shift could hinder efforts to provide comprehensive support for those experiencing homelessness.
Democratic lawmakers have voiced their objections to the administration’s actions, calling them "nonsensical" at a time when homelessness is on the rise. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II expressed concern that these cuts would worsen the housing crisis in America.
As the future of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness remains uncertain, advocates are left wondering how this will impact the millions of individuals facing homelessness across the country.