The beginning of the Trump administration has been alarming, from cuts in federal funding for social services, to attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, to harmful rhetoric about people who have already suffered and survived so many hardships.
Avalon Housing’s staff and board of trustees are closely monitoring how federal actions could negatively affect our work and we are making plans to ensure our services continue uninterrupted. We are not doing this alone, but alongside our various local, state, and federal partners. We are grateful for our own elected officials and our local community members who have fought for supportive housing in the past and who we know will help us navigate any challenges that come up in the future.
We will continue to:
- Provide housing, without pre-conditions, that is paired with deep voluntary supportive services, as Avalon Housing has done for more than 30 years
- Work to keep our residents and clients housed and safe
- Build up our coalitions and partnerships as we increase protection and services for our residents and clients
- Collectively engage in advocacy in Lansing and Washington for the resources necessary to keep people housed
- Maintain our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism
- Live out our Core Principles as we serve our clients and tenants to the best of our ability.
This is all coming at a time when, locally and nationally, homelessness is at an all-time high.
News recently came out that the Trump Administration is attempting to fire half of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which would deeply hinder our community’s ability to implement proven solutions to this homelessness crisis. We need you to contact your elected officials today and tell them to protect HUD staff and programs.
It is important to note that none of our tenants are in danger of losing their homes or services at this time due to potential cuts at HUD.
Since 1992, Avalon’s staff, supporters and community members have put our blood, sweat and tears into building homes and providing services to combat homelessness, and to help all of our neighbors improve their lives. No matter what happens in Washington, our commitment to continuing this work will not waver.
– The Entire Avalon Housing Team
