The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has joined 20 other states in suing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The lawsuit claims HUD has illegally changed a grant program that helps people who are experiencing homelessness.
The Continuum of Care grant program provides funding for long-term housing and support services. The states argue that HUD is drastically cutting funds for permanent housing and imposing new, unlawful conditions to access those funds.
Those behind the lawsuit claim the changes violate HUD’s mission and could force thousands of Michigan families back into homelessness, especially as winter approaches.
The lawsuit alleges HUD made these changes without proper rulemaking and without congressional approval, contradicting its own past policies.
Last year, Michigan received over $100 million through the COC program. Officials warn that the new rules could put about 7,000 households in Michigan at risk of losing their housing.
The issue of homelessness has reached every corner of the state, including Hillsdale County, where officials have struggled to deal with providing services to those most in need.