Community Development

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Turner, Kennedy, Rollins, and Oz in The New York Times: “If You Want Welfare and Can Work, You Must”

On May 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Ag) Secretary Brooke Rollins, and the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz penned an opinion piece in The New York Times discussing the impact of work requirements in creating stronger economies, protecting truly needy populations, and restoring purpose and dignity in the lives of millions of Americans.  “Establishing universal work requirements for able-bodied adults across the welfare programs we manage will prioritize the vulnerable, empower able-bodied individuals, help rebuild thriving communities and protect the taxpayers,” wrote Secretary Turner, Secretary Kennedy, Secretary Rollins, and Administrator Oz.  Click the title to learn more.

HUD Announces More Than $1.1 Billion for Affordable Housing in Tribal Communities

On May 13, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner announced more than $1.1 billion in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funding for eligible Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) to carry out affordable housing activities in Indian Country.  “From day one, HUD has been engaged on alleviating affordable housing challenges facing urban, rural, and Tribal communities. This announcement reaffirms our commitment to serve Tribal communities while working towards meeting Indian Country’s housing needs,” said Secretary Scott Turner. “HUD has a strong partnership with Tribal nations, and I look forward to collaborating directly with Tribal leaders to expand housing opportunities and remove burdensome regulatory barriers that impede progress.”  Click the title to learn more.

HUD Provides $1.8 Million to Support Youth Aging Out of Foster Care on the Anniversary of First Lady Melania Trump's BE BEST Initiative

On May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, in collaboration with the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, announced a $1.8 million dollar investment in HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program to assist more than 100 young Americans aging out of the foster care system with temporary, supportive funding to prevent homelessness for a duration of 36 months. In alignment with President Trump’s proclamation of May as National Foster Care Month, the FYI program offers housing vouchers to local public housing authorities (PHAs) for young adults under the age of 25 who are in, or have recently left, the foster care system. “I am proud to partner with Secretary Turner and the HUD team to provide individuals from within the foster care community with the security of having a home as they age out of the foster care system. Today’s investment will prove to play a critical role in keeping these individuals on track to achieve autonomy in a dignified and safe way,” said First Lady Melania Trump.  Click the title to learn more.

Secretary Turner Shares HUD's Mission-Minded Achievements in PResident Trump's First 100 Days

On May 6, 2025, in a series of media appearances and opinion pieces across leading local and national outlets, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner showcased the department’s achievements during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Secretary Turner emphasized HUD’s renewed focus on its core mission, delivering real results for the American people and outlining a bold vision to better serve families, individuals, and communities across the country.  Read the highlights or watch Secretary Turner’s First 100 Days accomplishment video here: 100 Days of Restoring the American Dream Under President Donald J. Trump.  Click the title to learn more.

HUD Delivers Disaster Aid, Financial Flexibility for Virginia Residents Impacted by Winter Storms and Flooding

On May 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner announced the availability of Federal disaster assistance to the Commonwealth of Virginia to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms and flooding from February 10-18, 2025.  President Trump issued a Major Disaster Declaration on April 4, 2025 for the Commonwealth of Virginia.  “HUD is here to support Virginians as they rebuild their homes, communities, and businesses following the severe winter storms and flooding,” said Secretary Turner. “Disaster response is a foundational part of our mission-minded approach to serving American communities as they work to rebuild.”  “I am grateful to President Trump and the entire Administration for approving federal disaster assistance for the Commonwealth of Virginia. These resources aid recovery efforts in the areas of Southwest Virginia affected by Hurricane Helene last fall along with the severe flooding brought on by February’s winter storms,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Thank you to Secretary Turner and his team for their strong partnership supporting Virginians adversely impacted by these storms.”  Click the title to learn more.