In cities across America, we share a simple truth: offering a hand to those most in need isn’t a red issue or a blue issue, it’s a community issue.
Whether liberal or conservative, urban or suburban, we have a moral obligation to keep our most vulnerable from sleeping on sidewalks — particularly our seniors and those who nobly served our country. That’s why a California Democrat and an Arizona Republican are jointly calling on President Trump and our congressional leadership to prioritize funding to extend the Emergency Housing Voucher program.
The program represents one of the most significant and successful federal investments in providing stability for at-risk seniors, veterans and families in recent history. It was established to help avoid homelessness for those facing unexpected and severe challenges, including older adults, veterans and families with children.
Since the implementation of the Emergency Housing Voucher program, San Diego has been able to utilize these vouchers to provide rental assistance to more than 900 people, who represent some of the most vulnerable populations. More than half (56 percent) of these households are elderly or disabled, and 34 percent include families with children. These vouchers have led to real, measurable progress, with family instability falling 72 percent and veteran housing insecurity down 25 percent.
Meanwhile, in Mesa, 82 emergency housing vouchers are helping older residents and veterans who have given much to our community. This investment strengthens our city by ensuring that the people who built it are not left behind. Our commitment to veterans and seniors is central to how we view housing stability. Every voucher has gone to provide safe housing for individuals who might otherwise be facing homelessness. These aren’t abstract statistics; they are men and women who worked, served, raised families and contributed to this city. But without emergency housing vouchers, we risk will be losing an important tool to help people avoid homelessness.
Earlier this year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced it was accelerating the end of the voucher program at least five years sooner than anticipated. Public housing authorities expected funding to continue at least through 2030 and be available through 2035 for families still in the program. Without congressional action, up to 1.4 million additional Americans could become homeless, undoing the progress our communities have made.
By fully funding the voucher program through the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process, The president and Congress can prevent this disruption and continue to help Americans who have given so much to our nation. This investment would reduce pressure on emergency services, strengthen families, and help residents remain connected to jobs, schools and healthcare.
Supporting programs like emergency housing vouchers is a practical way to strengthen our communities. Stable housing for seniors, veterans and families reflects a commonsense principle: when we give people security, they contribute back to the neighborhoods they call home. Washington should see this not as a partisan issue but as an opportunity to preserve the strength of families and honor those who have given so much.
Funding emergency housing is both compassionate and pragmatic. Trump and Congress can come together to ensure that veterans, seniors and families remain in stable housing — our residents and communities are counting on it.
Todd Gloria is the mayor of San Diego, Calif., and vice president of the United States Conference of Mayors. Mark Freeman is the mayor of Mesa, Ariz.
