By Carol M. Sainthilaire, Executive Director of The Waterfront Project
The Latest Blow to Affordable Housing & Disaster Recovery
The federal government’s latest move to slash 84% of HUD’s Community Planning and Development (CPD) budget is nothing short of a disaster for communities across the country. These cuts threaten critical disaster recovery and housing stability programs that thousands of families rely on, including right here in New Jersey.
At The Waterfront Project (WFP), we are already feeling the impact. On July 1, 2024, we were awarded $50,000 by HUD to support our housing counseling and legal services. But here’s the problem—HUD has not executed our contract, meaning we cannot access these funds. This delay creates serious cash flow issues and threatens our ability to serve families facing eviction and housing instability. And we know this is only the beginning.
If these cuts move forward, contracts will be next. This means the legal services and housing assistance that prevent homelessness could be eliminated. Disaster recovery grants that help communities rebuild after floods, hurricanes, and fires could disappear. And the most vulnerable—low-income families, seniors, and survivors of domestic violence—will be left without the safety net they need.
This is the time to fight back.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Call Your Representatives – Tell them these cuts will devastate housing stability and disaster recovery efforts. Demand that HUD funds be protected. Find your representative here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
- Amplify the Message – Share this blog post and speak out on social media. We must make noise before it’s too late.
- Support Organizations on the Frontlines – Donate to The Waterfront Project as we keep fighting to keep people in their homes.
This administration’s decision to gut HUD’s disaster recovery funding is a direct attack on low-income communities. If we don’t act now, the consequences will be catastrophic. We must stand up, speak out, and fight for the resources that keep families housed.