Freeze, thaw and ultimately rescind — the recent fire drill resulting from the White House order to pause all federal spending sparked confusion and panic across the country and throughout the housing community. The recission shouldn’t quell concerns, however.

Questions and apprehension persist, and anyone who is impacted by housing in Nevada (spoiler alert: It’s all of us) should be gravely worried for the future of the Silver State’s economic vitality considering last week’s attempt to “provide the Administration time to review agency programs and determine the best uses of the funding for those programs consistent with the law and the President’s priorities.” The fact of the matter is all federal funding for housing programs has been congressionally allocated, and therefore, has been determined the best use, consistent with the law and the president’s priorities. 

Regardless of the actual legality of the administration’s memo, housing agencies across the state scrambled to understand how the pause would impact programs and the people they serve. Should actions such as these continue, the housing community foresees far worse consequences than confusion and panic. Families out on the street, millions of dollars invested in development down the drain, and decades of work to solve some of our housing crisis obliterated — a far cry from the golden age of the American dream. 

The vision for affordable housing has evolved far beyond the era of traditional public housing projects. Today, access to housing includes critical assistance for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities, yet the need remains dire. In Clark County, the 2024 point-in-time count reported that 7,906 individuals were experiencing homelessness on a single day — 3,704 sheltered and 4,202 unsheltered.

Alarmingly, in 2023, the Southern Nevada Continuum of Care recorded 912 veterans experiencing homelessness, accounting for 3 percent of the national total and ranking among the highest veteran homelessness rates in the country. Further disparities emerge when examining demographics: individuals aged 35-44 experience homelessness at a higher rate than any other age group, and African Americans make up 42 percent of the homeless population despite being a significantly smaller portion of the general population. These statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive, data-driven housing solutions that address systemic inequities and provide stability for those most at risk.   

Similarly, in Washoe County, addressing homelessness requires a significant expansion of affordable housing for individuals earning 30 percent or less of the area median income. Emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing have seen higher utilization rates compared to transitional housing, underscoring the increasing demand for stable and long-term housing solutions. Housing is an ecosystem — one that affects us all, whether we realize it or not.  

Should federal funding for housing stop, whether it be through presidential orders or legitimate budget appropriations, our communities will stop. Who will work in our stores? Who will provide our child care? When working more and working harder simply isn’t an option for so many who need access to reasonably priced housing, what’s next?

The ripple effects would be profound; Nevada's retail industry, already struggling with workforce shortages, would face even greater challenges. Child care centers, which are critical for working parents, could see closures due to staff displacement caused by unaffordable housing. Service industries, the backbone of Nevada's economy, particularly in hospitality and tourism, would struggle to maintain operations without accessible housing for their workforce. This isn’t just about homes; it’s about the very infrastructure of our daily lives and the sustainability of our communities. 

Government funding programs support housing agencies and developers in expanding the availability of affordable housing. Affordable and attainable housing fosters economic growth by attracting top employers who seek communities with a strong quality of life and a stable workforce. The majority of housing agencies and developers are quasi-governmental and nonprofits who are not out to make millions, but instead, to create right-fit housing that continues a positive cycle of growth. 

The harsh reality is that many supporters of these funding-freeze measures are the very same people who also benefit from housing programs. They may not even be aware of the inevitable connections between an administration’s bold executive actions and the impact it has on the economy — specifically on those who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. 

Housing is an integral part of the overall economy and is essential to the well-being of our citizens. It is not just about shelter; it is fundamental to economic stability, public health and community well-being. Research shows that supportive housing improves long-term stability and health outcomes while reducing costly interactions with emergency departments and the criminal justice system. Yet, politically motivated rhetoric often prioritizes short-term soundbites over evidence-based solutions with real, harmful consequences for our communities. 

The Nevada Housing Coalition will continue to fight for all Nevadans to obtain safe and attainable housing. We will not allow federal funding threats to undermine the progress we’ve made, and we will persist in championing policies that prioritize the well-being and stability of our communities.

Maurice Page is the executive director of the Nevada Housing Coalition.

The Nevada Independent welcomes informed, cogent rebuttals to opinion pieces such as this. Send them to submissions@thenvindy.com.