**Opinion: Trump's Allies & The Homelessness Crisis**

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Post on Oct 26, 2024

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Opinion: Trump's Allies & the Homelessness Crisis: A Recipe for Disaster?

It's no secret that homelessness is a complex issue, but lately, it feels like it's gotten way worse. And, let's be honest, some of the blame lies with Trump's allies and their policies. They've made things a lot harder for folks already struggling on the streets.

Let's Talk About the Numbers

Homelessness in America is a huge problem, and it's only getting bigger. The National Alliance to End Homelessness reported a staggering 580,466 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2022. That's more than the population of a small city. And, here's the kicker, it's not just about being "out on the streets." It includes people living in shelters, cars, or even with friends or family due to unstable housing situations.

How Trump's Allies Made Things Worse

Here's the thing: Trump's administration and his allies, particularly those in the Republican Party, have made this situation worse with their cuts to funding for affordable housing and social programs.

• Gutting the HUD Budget: The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a crucial agency for tackling homelessness. It funds shelters, housing assistance programs, and supports for people experiencing homelessness. Trump's administration consistently proposed cuts to the HUD budget, leaving cities and organizations scrambling to provide essential services.
• Rolling Back Affordable Housing Policies: Trump's administration made it harder for families to afford rent and purchase homes. They rolled back Obama-era policies aimed at increasing access to affordable housing, making it harder for people to escape homelessness and rebuild their lives.

It's About More Than Just Housing

This is bigger than just providing shelter. It's about addressing the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness, like mental health, addiction, and joblessness.

Trump's administration focused on a "law and order" approach, often blaming individuals for their circumstances rather than acknowledging the systemic failures contributing to the problem. They failed to address the roots of the issue, resulting in a cycle of poverty and homelessness that continues to grow.

Moving Forward

We need to shift our approach. It's time to acknowledge that homelessness is a complex problem with complex solutions. Instead of blaming victims, we need to invest in programs that actually work. That means focusing on mental health and addiction services, affordable housing, and job training.

It's time for a more compassionate and humane approach.

Let's remember: We're all in this together. We need to do better.