Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – 12/18/25… Today, Congressmen Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Pat Ryan (NY-18) urged the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure that funding already appropriated by Congress is distributed promptly to supportive housing organizations across the Hudson Valley. Supportive housing organizations in the region play a critical role in keeping families, seniors, and veterans housed. Recently, HUD notified these organizations of mid-cycle changes to program eligibility, creating potential delays for funds that Congress has already approved through 2026. 

The lawmakers are calling on HUD to provide clear guidance and ensure that allocated funds continue to flow uninterrupted. These funds are administered locally through HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which is designed to provide predictable, multi-year support so housing providers can maintain stability for families, seniors, and veterans.

“Housing is a basic human need, and when the federal government fails to deliver on funds that Congress has already allocated, it puts lives at risk. The residents of the Hudson Valley, including those in supportive housing, deserve stability, not uncertainty. We cannot allow policy changes to jeopardize the homes and security of families in our district. HUD must fulfill its obligations and ensure the necessary funding continues to flow to those who need it most,” said Congressman Mike Lawler. 

“Keeping Hudson Valley kids, families, seniors and veterans in their homes isn’t a partisan issue – it’s a fundamental question of who we are as a country. I know the country I risked my life to defend wouldn’t kick kids and veterans out of their homes,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Nobody in our community deserves to have the rug pulled out from under them. We’re rallying our communities and people on the frontlines of the housing crisis with a clear, strong message: do not leave Hudson Valley families out in the cold. Provide the funding that has already been promised. Do not make program changes at the expense of children staying warm this winter. We need everyone in the community to raise their voices and join the fight. Our Hudson Valley community cannot and will not let this stand.” 

“As the judge hearing the legal challenges to HUD’s NOFO noted when the plan was suddenly withdrawn at the last minute, this feels like ‘intentional chaos,’” said Michelle Sandoz-Dennis, CEO of CARES of New York, Inc. “This is not a partisan issue. HUD’s actions are destabilizing the lives of real families and individuals whose health and safety are at risk, and we urge members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to work to restore funding stability and protect vulnerable communities.”

“If this funding disappears, vulnerable families with profoundly disabled children and chronically homeless adults will face immediate housing instability,” said Michael Berg, Executive Director of Family of Woodstock, Inc. “Bipartisan engagement from Congress is essential to ensure programs proven to reduce chronic homelessness are not dismantled.”

“If secure CoC funding is not restored, we will have no choice but to increase rents and reduce staffing,” said Christa Hines, CEO of Hudson River Housing. “Congressional collaboration is critical to guarantee the services that help our residents remain employed and working towards greater independence.”

“We need lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to work together to safeguard housing stability,” said Mike Erwin, LCSW-R, CASAC, Program Director of Permanent Supportive Housing at Mental Health America of Dutchess County. “When these programs are thrown into uncertainty, it destabilizes residents’ health, safety, and recovery.”

“The lack of clarity around housing awards and contract renewals has left us in an untenable position,” said Chris Molinelli, Executive Director of HONOR. “We are being asked to overhaul critical programs without knowing whether the new funding structure will adequately support those already housed. This is a nonpartisan issue that demands clear, bipartisan action from Congress to ensure continuity of care.”

“Cuts to HUD Continuum of Care funding for permanent housing will increase homelessness across the entire community. People will remain in shelters longer, emergency systems will become overwhelmed, and more individuals and families will cycle in and out of homelessness. In Rockland County, where affordable housing and shelter capacity are already limited, even modest reductions in permanent housing funding can lead to higher shelter utilization, longer lengths of stay, and increased pressure on healthcare, education, and public safety systems. Victims and survivors of domestic violence need consistency, safety, and long-term housing options—not uncertainty driven by shifting federal guidance. Twelve-month renewal language is critical to maintaining continuity of care and ensuring that life-saving housing programs remain intact. We know that Congressman Mike Lawler understands the importance of continuing to support victims and survivors by opposing this cap, and we urge him to continue this leadership and work with his colleagues to ensure others join him in opposing policies that would reduce housing options for victims and survivors of domestic violence,” said Elizabeth Santiago, CEO of the Center for Safety & Change.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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