Statement from the Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, Milwaukee's CoC

Milwaukee, WI — The Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness and Milwaukee’s Continuum of Care (CoC) are deeply concerned about the recent federal pause on financial assistance programs and the uncertainty it creates for HUD-funded services. While the memo notes exemptions for Medicare, Social Security benefits, and direct assistance to individuals, HUD was not explicitly mentioned, leaving vital housing and homelessness programs across the nation in limbo.

HUD funding is the backbone of programs that provide direct assistance to individuals and families, offering critical support like emergency shelters, affordable housing, and case management services. These programs stabilize lives and prevent homelessness, especially for those already living on the edge. The lack of clarity surrounding this federal action threatens to disrupt these services and undermine the progress we’ve made in addressing housing insecurity in Milwaukee.

We have contacted the Milwaukee HUD office and are actively seeking guidance about how this pause may affect local programs. In the meantime, our agencies are continuing their operations as usual and are preparing for potential delays. While we await clarification, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the protection of HUD funding and highlighting the essential role it plays in ensuring housing stability for the most vulnerable members of our community.

A Call to Action

We are at a critical juncture, and your voice is needed. The Milwaukee community must come together to demand a strong federal commitment to HUD programs and to enshrine housing as a human right. Here’s how you can help:

  • Contact Senator Tammy Baldwin: Let her know how HUD programs directly impact Milwaukee’s residents and ask for her support in ensuring HUD funding remains a priority.

    • Phone: (202) 224-5653

    • Email: Visit baldwin.senate.gov to send a message.

    • Mail: 709 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

  • Stay Engaged: Participate in local advocacy efforts, share this message in your networks, and amplify the importance of HUD funding on social media.

We recognize the stress and uncertainty this situation creates for our programs, staff, and the individuals and families we serve. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and remain focused on the mission we share: to protect and expand access to safe, stable housing for everyone. Together, we can rise to this challenge and advocate for the long-term stability of HUD-funded services.

In solidarity,
Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness
Milwaukee’s Continuum of Care