In cities across America, we share a simple truth: helping those most in need is not a red issue or a blue issue, it’s a community issue.
Whether liberal or conservative, urban or suburban, we have a moral obligation to protect our most vulnerable from sleeping on sidewalks – especially our senior citizens and those who have served our country with great service. That’s why California Democrats and Arizona Republicans are jointly calling on President Trump and our congressional leadership to prioritize funding. Emergency Housing Voucher Program.
The program represents one of the most importantsuccessful federal investment in providing stability for at-risk seniors, veterans and families in recent history. It was founded to help people facing unexpected and serious challenges, including older adults, veterans, and families with children, avoid homelessness.
Since the implementation of the Emergency Housing Voucher Program, San Diego has been able to Use these vouchers Providing rental assistance to over 900 people, who represent some of the most vulnerable populations. More than half (56 percent) of these households include the elderly or disabled, and 34 percent include families with children. in voucher This has led to real, measurable progress, with family instability reduced by 72 percent and veteran housing insecurity reduced by 25 percent.
Meanwhile, in Mesa, 82 emergency housing vouchers are helping older residents and veterans who have given so much to our community. This investment strengthens our city by ensuring that the people who build it are not left behind. Our commitment to veterans and seniors is critical to how we view housing stability. Each voucher is meant to provide safe housing for individuals who might otherwise be experiencing 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 would be at risk losing an important device Helping people stay out of homelessness.
Earlier this year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced This was speeding up the end of the voucher program at least five years earlier than anticipated. Public housing authorities expect the funding to continue through at least 2030 and to be available through 2035 for families still in the program. Without congressional action, 1.4 million additional Americans may become homelessDestroying 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 helping Americans who have given so much to our country. This investment will reduce pressure on emergency services, strengthen families and help residents stay connected to jobs, schools and health care.
Supporting helpful programs like emergency housing vouchers is a practical way to strengthen our communities. Stable housing for seniors, veterans and families reflects a common principle: When we give people security, they contribute to the neighborhoods they call home. Washington should see this Not as a partisan issue But rather as an opportunity to preserve the strength of families and honor those who have given so much.
Funding for emergency housing is both compassionate and practical. Trump and Congress can come together to ensure that veterans, seniors and families remain in stable housing – something our residents and communities are counting on.
Todd Gloria is the Mayor of San Diego, California and Vice President of the United States Conference of Mayors. Mark Freeman is the mayor of Mesa, Ariz.
