Shelterforce

10/29/2026

Something big is coming!

For over 50 years, Shelterforce has been telling the stories that matter—amplifying community voices, examining housing inequities, and exploring solutions that strengthen communities.

On November 1, our annual NewsMatch campaign kicks off, giving you the opportunity to make twice the impact!

Every donation will be matched dollar for dollar through December 31.

Stay tuned! Over the next two months, we're taking you behind the scenes, sharing stories that made an impact, and showing what your support makes possible.

Shelterforce reports on affordable housing, homeownership, community planning, organizing, the future of community development, and more.

10/28/2026

Across 21 states, voters will consider proposals to fund affordable housing, ease property taxes, strengthen tenants rights, and more.

We've found more than 50 housing-related measures across 21 states.

Check out our 2026 housing ballot measures guide: https://buff.ly/2lUy9LL

Across 21 states, voters will consider proposals to fund affordable housing, ease property taxes, strengthen tenants rights, and more.

10/26/2026

Does Housing First work?

Researchers and advocates say the evidence is strong: providing stable housing without requiring people to complete treatment or meet other conditions first reduces homelessness.

Read the story: https://buff.ly/ewa62Jh

10/26/2026

You make a building safer. Shouldn’t insurance get easier?

This week in Shelterforce, we look at why affordable housing providers are still struggling with costly, limited insurance options—even after investing in improvements meant to reduce risk.

Also this week: how organizers in Massachusetts turned a proposed camping ban into outreach, and why street medicine providers in Phoenix are finding it harder to reach unsheltered people.

Watch the latest short and catch up on the stories shaping housing and community development: https://buff.ly/KzNXaAA

What happens when affordable housing providers make their buildings...

10/25/2026

HUD wants to give more public housing authorities the option to require tenants to prove they are working (most already are) or limit how long they can receive housing assistance.

But here's what's interesting: Many housing authorities that have already tried these policies decided to stop.

Research from NYU's Housing Solutions Lab found that 11 of the 17 housing authorities that fully implemented time limits later discontinued them.

So what went wrong?

Our coverage looks at the lessons learned, the challenges housing authorities faced, and why some are urging caution.

Read the story: https://buff.ly/H7NKD0u

A HUD rule would allow public housing to institute work and time limits. Half of PHAs that have already tried these changes got rid of them.

10/24/2026

What happens when a change in federal homelessness policy puts someone's housing at risk?

Organizations across the country are warning that proposed changes to federal funding could threaten housing programs that help people stay off the streets.

In suburban Cook County, Illinois, one provider says the changes could affect roughly 280 housing units. Without replacement funding, residents could face eviction.

Our latest Shifting Ground story examines the potential consequences of moving away from Housing First—and why advocates worry the changes could increase homelessness.

Listen to the story: 🎧 https://buff.ly/e79FGbi

Housing First has been part of homelessness policy for decades. Experts say the Trump administration's alternative doesn't measure up.

10/23/2026

What should housing advocates be watching this week?

In our latest weekly, we look at a proposed HUD rule that could expand work requirements and time limits for housing assistance—and why many housing authorities that already tried them backed away.

Also this week: housing ballot measures across 21 states, the criminalization of homelessness, and why experts continue to make the case for Housing First.

Watch the latest Shelterforce Short and catch up on the stories shaping housing policy and community development: https://buff.ly/MWwWC6G

Should housing assistance come with work requirements or time limit...

10/23/2026

Adults age 50 and older now make up half of the U.S. homeless population; by 2030, their number is expected to triple. Exploring partnerships formed between service providers to address current needs, Shelterforce’s Frances Nguyen taps LeadingAge’s Juliana Bilowich for insights on the benefits of expanding proven housing interventions for older adults.

Read the full Shelterforce story: https://shelterforce.org/2026/09/11/how-aging-and-homeless-services-can-meet-in-the-middle/

10/23/2026

Rising rents. Excessive fees. Worsening building conditions.

Tenants in Evanston, Illinois, had enough. They organized against their private-equity-backed landlord—and won.

Their agreement included rent reductions, refunds for overcharges, and stronger lease options.

But they didn't do it alone. The City of Evanston helped fund the organizing support that kept their campaign moving.

Read how tenants organized and what other cities might learn from their experience: https://buff.ly/8kXKjRG

Tenants organized against a private-equity-backed landlord. In Evanston, the city provided financial support, while Minneapolis did not.

10/21/2026

Housing is on the ballot this November. Across 21 states, voters will weigh in on more than 50 housing-related measures that could affect everything from affordable housing funding and property taxes to rent control and tenant protections.

We've rounded up the housing measures to watch in the 2026 midterm elections, including what's being proposed and where.

Take a look at our guide: https://buff.ly/2lUy9LL

Across 21 states, voters will consider proposals to fund affordable housing, ease property taxes, strengthen tenants rights, and more.