Trump Changes Rules for Helping Homeless People

The Trump administration has made big changes to how America helps homeless people. The new rules move billions of dollars away from housing programs. Instead, the money will go to programs that treat mental illness and drug addiction. This represents the biggest change in homeless policy in 25 years.

For many years, the government used an approach called Housing First. This method gives homeless people permanent homes right away. Then it offers treatment services if people want them. The new plan focuses on treatment first, then housing. Officials believe this will work better than just giving people homes.

Housing Secretary Scott Turner defended the changes in a statement. He said the Housing First approach failed to help people with serious problems. Turner argued that housing alone cannot solve homelessness when people struggle with addiction or mental health issues. The government wants to require treatment before providing permanent homes.

Many groups that help homeless people oppose these changes. They worry that thousands of people will lose their homes. David Gonzalez Rice represents one of these groups. He said the new rules will create barriers that make it harder for people to get help when they need it most.

The changes affect about $4 billion in federal money each year. This money goes to over 400 local groups across the country. Under the old rules, 90 percent went to permanent housing programs. Now, only 60 percent must go to long-term housing, and 40 percent will fund short-term programs that last two years or less.