Institutions of Impact: The Department of Housing and Urban Development profiled

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of articles exploring the history, mission and essential services provided by key government agencies. President-elect Donald Trump's proposed funding cuts and potential changes to the way agencies operate could significantly weaken these agencies and disrupt essential services that millions rely on daily.

Trump’s second presidential term comes at a time when housing affordability concerns have reached new heights. He has infused parts of Project 2025 into his administration, despite attempts to distance himself from The Heritage Foundation’s controversial conservative policy playbook. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights reported Project 2025 would undermine fair housing and consumer protection by weakening the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and other consumer protection laws, as well as scaling back affordable housing.

History

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was established in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his “Great Society” program, aimed at addressing poverty and inequality in the United States. HUD was created to expand federal involvement in housing issues, particularly for low-income and historically excluded communities. The department consolidated several preexisting agencies and programs, including the Federal Housing Administration, created during the Great Depression to stabilize the housing market, and public housing initiatives developed in the mid-20th century.

Key functions and services

HUD is responsible for national policies and programs that address housing and enforce fair housing laws.

The primary programs administered by HUD include:

• Mortgage and loan insurance through the Federal Housing Administration
• Community Development Block Grants to help communities with economic development, job opportunities and housing rehabilitation
• HOME Investment Partnership Act block grants to develop and support affordable housing for low-income residents
• Rental assistance in the form of Section 8 certificates or vouchers for low-income households
• Public or subsidized housing for low-income individuals and families
• Homeless assistance provided through local communities and faith-based and other nonprofit organizations
• Fair housing public education and enforcement

Illustration at top by the SPLC.