Lakeshore Housing Alliance warns HUD rule changes could put 400 local households at risk

Christina Ford, representing the Lakeshore Housing Alliance of Ottawa County, used public comment time to urge federal flexibility after recent Housing and Urban Development guidance she said would sharply reduce program renewals and constrain permanent housing financing.

"Ottawa County has always believed in strong local solutions and responsible stewardship of federal resources," Ford said, warning that cuts she described in the HUD FY2025 NOFO — "by cutting guaranteed renewals from 90% to just 30%, capping permanent housing at 30 percent" — could imperil more than 400 households, including roughly 150 children and a population where an estimated 40% live with permanent disabilities. Ford asked HUD to provide bridge and transitional funding so local providers and taxpayers do not bear abrupt disruptions.

The comment framed the change as both a service and funding concern: Ford said local providers invested millions based on prior guidance and that sudden changes without transition support "will strain local taxpayers and charitable organizations." She urged HUD to allow flexibility so emergency shelter work can lead to lasting housing solutions rather than cyclical short-term fixes.

The commission did not take formal action on the comment during the meeting; Ford’s remarks were entered into the public record and flagged by commission members as relevant to future advocacy and conversations with regional partners and state officials. The commission did not purport to represent HUD or make a binding request on its behalf; Ford asked the commission to "urge HUD to provide flexible and bridge funding" as a matter of local advocacy.