Families Fear Housing Cuts Could Leave Them Homeless
Imagine finally securing a stable home for your family after years of struggling—only to have that security threatened by federal budget cuts. That’s exactly what Calvin and Symone Bentley are facing right now in Kansas City, Missouri. Their family, like millions of others, depends on federal housing assistance, but proposed budget reductions at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) could put their home in jeopardy.
The Bentleys know all too well what it’s like to live on the edge. Before finding a place in public housing, they spent nights in rundown motels, constantly scraping together enough money for rent. Every move was a financial and emotional strain. But when they finally got approved for public housing, it felt like a turning point—a chance to breathe and rebuild. Now, they fear that this lifeline could be taken away.
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At the heart of this uncertainty is the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new initiative under Elon Musk’s leadership aimed at cutting what some see as government waste. The proposed reductions could shrink HUD’s workforce by up to 50%, directly affecting programs that assist low-income families with housing. If these cuts go through, millions of families relying on housing vouchers and other assistance may find themselves without support.
Housing advocates are deeply concerned. Edwin Lowndes, director of the Kansas City Housing Authority, acknowledges that government inefficiencies exist and need fixing. But he warns that slashing budgets and staff without a clear, structured plan could lead to devastating consequences. His office alone relies on federal funding to provide rental assistance for over 8,000 families, with an additional 25,000 families still waiting for help. If HUD funding is drastically reduced, thousands could lose their homes.
For the Bentleys, this isn’t just about numbers on a budget—it’s about their family’s survival. Without housing assistance, they’d be forced back into unstable living situations, relying on gig jobs like DoorDash and Amazon deliveries just to make ends meet. As Calvin Bentley puts it, when housing is at risk, so is everything else—food, transportation, and basic security.
While some lawmakers believe Congress won’t allow such drastic cuts to go through, the uncertainty is enough to create widespread fear among families who depend on these programs. Public housing isn’t just a safety net—it’s a stepping stone that allows people to regain stability and work toward financial independence.
For now, the Bentleys hold onto hope. They’re grateful for the help they’ve received and wish more people in need could access similar support. But as they wait for answers, one thing is clear: cuts to housing assistance won’t just affect numbers on a spreadsheet—they will change lives, for better or worse.
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