Rep. Vasquez Pushes Back on Proposed Changes at HUD That Would Worsen New Mexico Homelessness Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner demanding the agency reverse proposed changes to its longstanding Continuum of Care program, one of one of the largest federal grants that helps people experiencing homelessness find permanent housing and stay off the streets. The Congressman warned that the Administration's "proposed changes risk pushing nearly 200,000 Americans into homelessness."

The Administration's proposed changes shift funding from permanent housing solutions to temporary housing and shelters for people experiencing homelessness. The change in strategy rejects long-standing and evidence-based policy of the "housing first model" that prioritizes providing permanent housing immediately, creating stability so people have a roof over their head while they work to find a job or seek treatment. Providing permanent housing instead of shelters has been proven to curb homelessness.

"I continue to hear from my constituents that affordability, public safety, and housing are their top concerns. Instead of making changes that risk pushing more Americans into homelessness, the Administration should be supporting the communities and local leaders who are doing the hard work of combating homelessness on the ground," wrote Vasquez. "I urge Secretary Turner to reverse the agency's proposed changes and instead work to responsibly steward the CoC program as leaders from both sides of the aisle have done for over 30 years."

Local advocates in New Mexico have echoed Rep. Vasquez's concerns about the proposed changes to Continuum of Care.

"I am grateful for Congressman Vasquez's efforts to restore the Continuum of Care NOFO to protect permanent supportive housing and the Housing First model," said Nicole Martinez, Executive Director of Mesilla Valley Community of Hope/Abode, Inc. "With twenty years of experience as a service provider, I have seen firsthand that prioritizing housing over traditional shelter-only models saves money and improves lives. Furthermore, the Housing First approach helps more people obtain stability and treatment faster, compared to outdated models that leave individuals struggling on the streets."

"We have seen that you can't and shouldn't mandate self-sufficiency from a park bench. The new federal changes treat a home like a reward for getting your life together, but for someone struggling with issues that arise from homelessness, a home is the only place where that work can happen," said Monet Silva. Executive Director of the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness. "By cutting the funding that keeps people permanently housed, we're trading the model of proven success for the revolving door of emergency rooms, shelters and jails."

Vasquez remains committed to protecting access to safe and affordable housing for all New Mexicans, including those living in mobile homes. He recently introduced the Keep Mobile Homes Affordable Act to crack down on predatory price gouging by greedy corporate landlords and protect long-time residents from being displaced from their communities. He also voted in favor of the Affordable HOMES Act, to lower manufactured home costs, pass on savings to New Mexican consumers, and keep hardworking folks off the streets.

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