What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?

The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

1 minute read

July 10, 2025, 10:00 AM PDT

By Shelterforce


In “What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?,” Shelterforce explores the devastating implications of the Trump administration’s FY 2026 budget proposal to nearly eliminate HUD's rental assistance programs — cutting funding for Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs), Section 8, public housing, and supportive housing by 43 percent, and consolidating them into an underfunded, block-granted lump sum. 

The article recounts Althea Matthews’ struggle — who lost her NYC home, then found an EHV, and now faces losing it again — highlighting how this proposed budget threatens housing stability for millions, especially seniors, people with disabilities, and extremely low-income families. Officials warn the cuts could lead to homelessness surges, bankrupt public housing authorities, and dismantle support systems that have been painstakingly built. The piece underscores that, while block grants are pitched as efficient, in reality they strip accountability and equity, putting vulnerable renters at grave risk.

Monday, June 30, 2025 in Shelterforce Magazine

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