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Los Angeles homelessness funding faces federal scrutiny and legal challenges
Trump administration officials Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (HHS) and Scott Turner (HUD) have announced plans to overhaul homelessness funding in Los Angeles. During a press conference at the LA Dream Center, Kennedy warned that federal funds would be withheld from programs that fail to move individuals off the streets and into recovery, accusing the current system of being a “homelessness industry” that perpetuates dependency. Turner stated that the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) will not receive further taxpayer money until it can account for its spending, citing mismanagement and fraud.
However, a federal judge has intervened. U.S. District Judge David O. Carter issued a preliminary injunction blocking HUD from suspending LAHSA's ability to manage federal homelessness funds, finding the administration's actions were “arbitrary and capricious.” The judge ordered HUD to restore LAHSA as the master applicant for funding while a review of potential replacement agencies is conducted by October 13.
Separately, Kennedy addressed claims regarding his own voting status, clarifying that while a previous court ruling regarding his residency in New York affected his ballot access, it did not render him legally homeless or unable to vote.
Entities
Los Angeles · Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority · Robert F. Kennedy Jr. · Scott Turner · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services · U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kennedy alleged that former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra reassigned 76 of 80 oversight employees tasked with tracking $2.2 trillion in annual HHS payments. internewscast.com · nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kennedy warned that federal funding will be cut for programs that fail to show they are reducing street homelessness. internewscast.com · nypost.com
- [DISPUTED] Judge David O. Carter issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from suspending LAHSA's management of federal homelessness funds. www.latimes.com
- [DISPUTED] HUD Secretary Scott Turner stated that the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) will not receive further federal funds until it accounts for its spending. californiaglobe.com · dnyuz.com