NCH’s Stand Against the Federal Grants Freeze

A Moral Outcry: Standing United

In a matter of days, the Trump Administration has unleashed a storm of chaos that threatens the very foundation of our communities. Among the most devastating actions is the abrupt halt of federal grants—a lifeline for millions of Americans and the organizations that work tirelessly to serve them.

As our Executive Director, Donald Whitehead, so passionately states:


Focusing on our goals is essential, especially when faced with distractions or fear tactics. Resistance can take many forms—whether through community action, personal perseverance, or advocating for change. Many of these gestures will not stand.  

 Martin Luther King, Jr., reminded us that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Change takes a long time, but it does happen.”

The sweeping directive, issued by the White House budget office, pauses grants, loans, and financial aid, allegedly to realign programs with the administration’s priorities. The consequences, however, are immediate, far-reaching, and catastrophic. For countless individuals who rely on this funding—for food, housing, and medical care—this decision is more than a policy shift. It is a direct threat to survival.

Standing United
The National Coalition for the Homeless stands resolute in our outrage and heartbreak. This is not how a democracy functions. This is not who we are as a nation. Stripping resources from the most vulnerable among us is unimaginable, unjust, and utterly unacceptable.

Let us be clear:
We will not stand idly by.
We will not back down.
We will not be silenced.

This fight transcends politics–it is a fight for the seniors who left without food, the families without homes, and the children who left without care. This is a fight for humanity. This is a fight for the soul of our nation.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
By 5 PM today, January 28th, the Trump Administration has directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to freeze federal funding. This means all federal agencies providing financial assistance—including HUD—will halt grants and loans. While programs like Social Security and Medicare remain untouched, this freeze will devastate countless others:

  • Addressing and preventing homelessness, which has already seen an 18% increase.
  • Operating and maintaining public housing for vulnerable families.
  • Providing rental assistance to low-income residents.
  • Rebuilding homes destroyed by natural disasters.
  • Investigating civil rights and fair housing violations.
  • Ensuring low-income families have heat during the winter.
  • Supporting eviction prevention grants and housing counseling.

This is not just a budget decision. It is an attack on the very people who need us most.

A Call to Action: Stand With Us
Now, more than ever, we need you. This is not a fight we can win alone—it’s a fight that demands all of us.

Here’s how you can help:

  1. Call your lawmakers’ D.C. offices 
    1. The Capitol Hill switchboard is (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the House or Senate office you request. Don’t know what to say? Please use this script or change it to convey your own message.  
    2. “The freeze on federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance directed by the Trump Administration will have immediate and harmful impacts in our community.  Rent payments will be delayed to landlords, services will be disrupted, and frontline staff will likely miss their pay.  I urge you your boss to contact the White House immediately and demand that this memorandum be

 

  1. Email Congress to Fight the Freeze! Use this link to urge your Congressional Representatives to stand up to this NCH’s Stand Against the Federal Grants Freeze! Demand they oppose the federal grants freeze and advocate for the most vulnerable in our society.

Your voice matters. Your actions matter. Together, we can resist this injustice and protect the dignity of every individual in our community.

Join Us. Stand With Us. Fight With Us.

This is not just our fight—it’s everyone’s fight. Together, we are stronger. Together, we will prevail.

 

Press Contact: 

Donald Whitehead

Executive Director | National Coalition for the Homeless

Email: DWhitehead@nationalhomeless.org