Federal Funding & Policy
KCHA is not a federal agency, but we receive federal funding through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
What You Need to Know
For now, in 2025:
- There have been no federal budget cuts to the Subsidized Housing (public housing) or Housing Choice Voucher (HCV or Section 8) programs.
- KCHA residents and voucher tenants are not at risk of losing their housing or financial help because of any Executive Order or budget cuts in 2025.
- Self-sufficiency programs like FSS, ROSS, and Jobs Plus have not been cut and are continuing through at least September 2025.
- KCHA has not been directly affected by the President’s Executive Orders or other federal policy changes at this time.
- HUD has been ordered to downsize, but KCHA staff are not HUD employees, so HUD's reduction in staff does not directly affect KCHA staff.
- Under the current 2025 federal budget, KCHA’s federally funded housing programs will continue through at least September 30, 2025.
Possible changes in 2026:
- The President's proposed 2026 budget includes significant cuts to HUD and housing programs, including self-sufficiency programs, but that budget is not final.
- Congress will review the President's proposal and make changes. Congress has previously been supportive of many of the programs that the president wants to cut.
- Congress must agree on a final budget for 2026 by October 2025.
- KCHA will monitor development of the 2026 federal budget and 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)
EHV’s were given to people who were experiencing homelessness during the COVID 19 pandemic. EHV's were paid for by temporary American Rescue Plan funds.
KCHA expects to continue supporting EHV tenants and landlords through 2025 and into part of 2026.
Congress may provide additional funding to extend this program during the budget process for 2026. KCHA is monitoring the situation, working with federal partners, and will keep you updated.
If KCHA does not receive additional funds for EHVs, we will give landlords and tenants using these vouchers at least 60 days' notice.
Click here to read a letter to Congress from major national housing associations.
Citizenship Status & Housing Eligibility
The Department of Homeland Security recently 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.
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.