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.
Federal Government Shut Down
The federal government re-opened on November 13, 2025, after a 43-day shutdown, the longest in history.
The budget agreement that allowed the government to re-open provides funding for HUD through the end of January 2026, and negotiations for HUD funding for the full year are ongoing.
Under the federal re-opening budget agreement:
- SNAP benefits are funded through September 2026, however, there were budget cuts and changes to SNAP in a previous law signed by President Trump.
- Veterans’ programs are funded through September 2026.
- Congress plans to vote on health insurance costs in December.
Because HUD is only funded through January 2026, it is possible that there could be another government shutdown. If so, KCHA will provide updates here.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): During previous federal shutdowns, Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) to landlords who rent to voucher tenants have continued uninterrupted. Even if HAP payments are paused because of a shutdown, landlords cannot raise the rent, and voucher tenants must continue to pay their portion of rent under the lease.
HUD's contingency plan for a shutdown is available here.
KCHA operations: KCHA continues to operate with regular hours and operations.
2026 Federal Budget Proposals
The federal budget for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) affects KCHA's budget for housing assistance to tenants and maintaining buildings.
Possible changes in 2026:
- The President's proposed 2026 budget and Congressional House and Senate proposed budgets all include cuts to HUD and housing programs, including vouchers, public housing, and self-sufficiency programs, but those are proposals and the 2026 budget is not yet final.
- The Administration is also proposing that housing authorities could add work requirements and time limits for housing assistance.
- KCHA will monitor development of the 2026 federal budget and continue to advocate for fully funding HUD and housing programs.
KCHA's primary goal is to ensure housing stability for our residents and voucher tenants. We will continue to monitor federal funding and policy, and we will post any updates on this page.
Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs)
EHVs were given to people who were experiencing homelessness during the COVID 19 pandemic. EHVs were paid for by temporary American Rescue Plan funds. KCHA serves about 650 households with these vouchers.
In March 2025, HUD told KCHA that federal funding for EHVs would run out in 2026 instead of in 2030. This means that the federal government will stop providing rental assistance for the 650 KCHA households who are currently housed because of EHVs.
KCHA's goal is to keep people housed, and prevent returns to homelessness, even though the federal funding is running out. KCHA is exploring all available options and strategies to ensure that people stay housed. We will post any updates on this page.
Citizenship Status & Housing Eligibility
The Department of Homeland Security signed an agreement with HUD to work together to ensure that housing assistance is provided only to people who are U.S citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders), and other people with lawful immigration status (such as asylees or refugees).
The agreement does not change any laws or current HUD rules, however, it signals that the rules could change in the future. HUD has also signaled that it may end eligibility for mixed-immigration status households, where at least one person is a citizen or has legal status but other members of the household do not.
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.
How Do These Changes Affect 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 how you would be affected if housing and services are cut. We might use your story on social media (Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn) 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.