SPRINGFIELD — As the freezing temperatures of winter in New England continue, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno joined at least 24 of his counterparts from communities across the country in urging the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development not to cut previously-approved grants for people experiencing homelessness.
HUD operates the Continuum of Care Program, a federal program which aims to “promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness” according to HUD’s website.
On Nov. 13, HUD sent out a notice detailing plans to limit the amount of funding from Continuum of Care that can be used for permanent supportive housing, in which housing is secured for people with a history of long-term homelessness, those with disabilities or unhoused families. While 87% of the program’s $3.5 billion budget is currently dedicated to permanent supportive housing, the HUD’s changes would cut that to 30%. This cut would abruptly leave more than 170,000 nationwide without housing, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
On Dec. 8, HUD withdrew its notice of intent and stated the department would review the changes, leaving thousands of people in limbo.
In 2024, HUD released a report in February finding that there were 2,683 people unhoused in Springfield, with about 2,400 people in shelters. Another 112 people were found to be in transitional housing. These figures do not include people living in Springfield-Hampden County Continuum of Care’s 304 permanent supportive housing units.
Gerry McCafferty, Springfield’s Director of Housing and administrator of the Springfield-Hampden County Continuum of Care, stated in a press release that the people living in those units will likely return to homelessness if the CoC loses the funding for their housing.
An additional 134 units covered by Continuum of Care are time-limited rental assistance for people ages 18-24. McCafferty stated that many of those young people have aged out of foster care and are “at very high risk of being victimized when homeless, including being at risk of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.”
McCafferty said in the press release, “This many people returning to homelessness will overwhelm our local shelter system and lead to many more unsheltered people and encampments in the city.” Last winter, Springfield’s shelters reached capacity on multiple nights.
One of the organizations that works to place people in permanent supportive housing is the Center for Human Development. Sean Brown, a program manager for the Diversion, Shelter and Housing Division of CHD, said permanent supportive housing is more than the government paying for a roof overhead.
“Once taken through our intake process, case management is assigned to assist new clients with apartment identification and leasing, basic needs, connecting them to services, and setting personal goals for stabilization in their own subsidized apartments,” Brown said.
Brown said stable housing has a major impact on people. “Clients who once felt invisible and forgotten now have the stability, support and access to the tools to turn their life around and thrive. Families once threatened by possible separation have been restored and reunited,” he said. “It is an incredible experience to witness someone moving into an apartment after being without permanent housing for some time. Their visible expressions of relief, safety and happiness have been incredibly moving.”
Sarno said his team is “looking to use every possible tool in the toolbox to address our critical housing and homeless support needs, and focusing on practical solutions,” including working with the state and federal governments and other partners.
“This housing crisis was largely created by the federal level and now cities like ours must deal with the fallout. To claw back these funds now will have serious consequences. I appreciate my fellow mayors, nationwide, for coming together to voice our concerns and encourage bold action,” Sarno said.
If you are experiencing homelessness, call 211 for a directory of housing, food and crisis services, or visit mass.gov/help-for-homeless-people.
