Congress, Trump must act to prevent seniors and veterans from homelessness
In cities across America, we share a simple truth: Providing assistance to those who need it most is not a red issue or a blue issue, it is a community issue.
Whether we are liberal or conservative, urban or suburban, we have a moral obligation to prevent our most vulnerable people from sleeping on sidewalks — especially our seniors and those who have nobly served our country. That’s why a California Democrat and an Arizona Republican are jointly calling on President Trump and our leadership in Congress to prioritize funding to expand the Emergency Housing Voucher program.
The program represents one of the most significant and successful federal investments in stabilization of at-risk seniors, veterans, and families in modern history. It was established to help avoid homelessness for those facing serious and unexpected challenges, including seniors, veterans and families with children.
Since implementing the Emergency Housing Voucher Program, San Diego has been able to use these vouchers to provide rental assistance to more than 900 people, who represent some of the most vulnerable populations. More than half of these families (56%) are elderly or disabled, and 34% include families with children. These vouchers have led to real, measurable progress, with family instability reduced by 72 percent and housing insecurity for veterans reduced by 25 percent.
Meanwhile, in Mesa, there are 82 emergency housing vouchers to help seniors and veterans who have given so much to our community. This investment strengthens our city by ensuring that the people who built it are not left behind. Our commitment to veterans and seniors is central to how we view housing stability. Each voucher has been designated to provide safe housing to individuals who may be facing homelessness. These are not abstract statistics. They are men and women who worked, served, raised families, and contributed to this city. But without emergency housing vouchers, we risk losing an important tool to help people avoid homelessness.
Earlier this year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced it was working to accelerate the end of the voucher program at least five years earlier than expected. Public housing authorities expected funding to continue until at least 2030, and to be available until 2035 for families still in the program. Without congressional action, up to 1.4 million additional Americans could become homeless, undoing the progress our communities have made.
By fully funding the voucher program through the FY 2026 appropriations process, the President and Congress can prevent this disruption and continue to help Americans who have given so much to our nation. This investment will reduce pressure on emergency services, strengthen families, and help residents stay connected to jobs, schools and health care.
Supporting programs like emergency housing vouchers is a practical way to strengthen our communities. Stable housing for seniors, veterans, and families reflects a commonsense principle: When we give people security, they contribute back to the neighborhoods they call home. Washington should view this not as a partisan issue, but as an opportunity to keep families strong and honor those who have given so much.
Emergency housing financing is compassionate and practical. Trump and Congress can come together to ensure veterans, seniors and their families remain in stable housing – our residents and communities depend on it.
Todd Gloria is Mayor of San Diego, California, and Vice President of the US Conference of Mayors. Mark Freeman is the mayor of Mesa, Arizona.
