Federal Funding & Policy
KCHA is not a federal agency, but we receive federal funding through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding is determined by the US Congress.
2027 Federal Budget
The 2027 federal Fiscal Year began on October 1, 2026. But, because Congress has not yet agreed on a federal budget for 2027, they passed a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through December 11, 2026. KCHA is monitoring the process and in regular contact with federal lawmakers to urge full funding for rental assistance, building maintenance, and resident supports.
2026 Federal Budget
On February 2, 2026, Congress passed a budget that includes funding for HUD’s housing programs through September 2026, which is the end of the federal fiscal year.
The 2026 HUD funding package includes $77.3 billion for HUD programs in all 50 states and US territories, an increase from last year. KCHA uses our share of federal funding to operate many of the housing programs found on this website.
Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs)
EHVs were provided to people who were experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. EHVs were paid for by temporary American Rescue Plan funds. KCHA serves about 540 households with these vouchers.
In March 2025, HUD told KCHA that federal funding for EHVs will run out in 2026 instead of in 2030. Then, in September 2026, HUD told KCHA that there is enough funding to switch some EHV households to a different type of voucher, called Tenant Protection Vouchers (TPV). To be eligible for a TPV, a household must have a current EHV that they were using for a lease as of September 30, 2026.
KCHA is working directly with people who have EHVs to transition to Tenant Protection Vouchers so that they can stay housed. If you have an EHV through KCHA, please contact your housing specialist.
Citizenship Status & Housing Eligibility
Under federal law, people who do not have US citizenship or eligible immigration status cannot receive housing assistance through programs like Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing.
HUD’s long-standing “mixed status rule” allows families who have both eligible and ineligible members to stay together in assisted housing by providing reduced (prorated) assistance based only on the eligible members.
HUD has proposed a rule, published Feb. 19, 2026, to change the way housing assistance is provided to mixed status households. The proposed rule would require a new verification of citizenship for all people in a household.
It is important to know that this is a proposed rule that must go through a legal process before it can be applied. For now, the rules continue to allow households with mixed immigration status to receive prorated assistance.
Households with mixed immigration statuses who believe they might be affected should seek advice from an immigration attorney or qualified non-profit agency. Local resources include the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, the NW Immigrant Rights Project, and King County Libraries Welcoming Centers.
What Does Housing Assistance Mean to You?
We want to hear from you!
Email media@kcha.org to share your story of how housing stability and the services KCHA provides have helped you, and what having a home means for you and your family. We might use your story on social media or to help advocate for federal funding.
You can call your congressional representatives at 202-224-3121 to tell them to support full funding for housing programs. You can also look up contact information for your elected officials at www.usa.gov/elected-officials.