Housing Advocates Warn of Crisis as Federal Funding Uncertainty Grows
Federal funding uncertainty threatens North Carolina housing organizations as advocates warn families face impossible choices between rent and basic needs.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — Housing advocates in North Carolina’s capital warn that a nationwide housing crisis is forcing vulnerable families to choose between basic necessities while federal funding uncertainty threatens the organizations working to help them.
“We’re talking about choices between rent or medicine, choices between transportation and rent, choices between child care and rent,” said Renee M. Willis, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, during her keynote address Thursday. “These are choices that no family should have to make.”
Willis spoke at “Bringing It Home 2026,” an annual statewide conference that brings together service providers, industry experts and advocates to discuss housing solutions. The conference is sponsored by the NC Housing Coalition, the NC Department of Health and Human Services and the NC Coalition to End Homelessness.
Federal Funding Delays Impact Services
This year’s conference occurs during a period of significant change and funding uncertainty at the federal level. Even when money receives appropriation, delivery often moves slowly, according to conference organizers.
“It’s an existential crisis for a lot of organizations, some of which have ceased the work they do because they no longer have the money for it, have lost people or are not able to serve,” said Samuel Gunter, executive director of the NC Housing Coalition. “We’re in the midst of bigger economic pressures. We’re losing the reliability of federal resources that are targeted to the solutions.”
The funding challenges have created operational difficulties for housing service organizations across North Carolina. Some groups have reduced staff or eliminated programs entirely due to the uncertain financial situation.
Housing Instability Affects All Communities
Willis emphasized that the housing crisis touches nearly every community nationwide and affects economically vulnerable citizens across demographic lines. The distance between being housed and unhoused proves shorter than most people realize, she noted.
“Often it’s a single crisis, a medical emergency, a job loss, divorce, domestic violence,” Willis said during her presentation to the gathered housing professionals.
The coalition leader’s remarks highlighted how quickly stable housing situations can deteriorate when families face unexpected financial or personal emergencies. Medical bills, employment changes, or family disruptions can rapidly push households toward homelessness.
Statewide Conference Addresses Solutions
The annual gathering provides a platform for housing professionals to share strategies and coordinate efforts across North Carolina. Participants include representatives from nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private sector partners working on affordable housing initiatives.
Conference sessions focus on practical solutions for addressing housing shortages, improving affordability, and preventing homelessness. The event also serves as an opportunity for advocates to discuss policy recommendations and coordinate responses to federal funding challenges.
The housing coalition continues working with state and local partners to develop sustainable funding models that can withstand federal budget uncertainties. These efforts include exploring alternative revenue sources and strengthening partnerships between public and private sectors.
