The Advocate has reported that a new federal policy could spur widespread evictions of formerly homeless people across the state.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has just issued new rules that will redirect much of the tens of millions of dollars in grants that have been used to permanently house formerly homeless people in Louisiana.
The Advocate reports that the state’s share of those grants totaled $93 million last year. In 2026 the state’s parishes will be forced to shrink permanent housing programs in favor of temporary housing and other assistance.
The move is a departure from the long-standing federal approach to homelessness, called “Housing First.”
HUD Secretary Scott Turner stated this month that “our philosophy for addressing the homelessness crisis will now define success, not by dollars spent or housing units filled, but how many people achieve long-term self-sufficiency.”
The Advocated reported that last year Louisiana spent roughly 80% of these HUD moneys on rent payments, subsidies called “permanent supportive housing.” This subsidy has no expiration date and is designed for people with disabilities who have experienced long-term or repeated episodes of homelessness.
Under the new guidance, the state and local governments may only spend one-third federal grants on permanent supportive housing. The rest of the funds must be spent on temporary or transitional housing, such as shelters, and on programs that provide substance abuse treatment and mental health services.
Currently, the local impact of this HUD policy change on the formerly homeless population is unknown.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.