Advocacy Corner
At YWCA Greater Cleveland, we know that lasting change requires action beyond our walls. Advocacy is at the heart of our mission. Here, you’ll find resources to stay informed and engaged—whether it’s understanding key legislation, learning how public policy impacts our community, or making your voice heard at the ballot box.
From voter education to opportunities for involvement, Advocacy Corner connects you to the tools and information you need to drive equity and justice in Greater Cleveland and beyond. Together, we can influence the systems that shape our lives and create a community where every person can thrive.
Take Action - Contact Your Representatives
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!!!
Federal Funding is at risk. More than 10,000 individuals in Permanent Supportive Housing in Ohio may be homeless again after January 2026.
Last-minute changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program may severely limit funding for existing housing programs including ours. A new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) takes effect immediately. CoC grant funds will expire as early as January 2026.
The Federal government has re-opened. However, the bill to re-open does not include the provision that requires the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award eligible (CoC) program renewals for 12 months.
The bill to include funding for HUD programs will be voted on soon. Your voice is needed to support the unhoused and those we serve in our programs.
What is the Continuum of Care (CoC)? The Continuum of Care is a community-based approach that organizes and delivers housing and services to meet the specific needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. It aims to provide a structured system that facilitates access to various resources, ensuring that those in need can transition from homelessness to stable housing effectively. The CoC is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to ending homelessness by coordinating funding and services among local organizations, government entities, and nonprofit providers. -National Alliance to End Homelessness
HUD provides funding for the following:
Promoting communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness;
Providing funds for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals (including unaccompanied youth) and families, while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness;
Promoting access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and
Optimizing self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Tools to Take Action
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November xx, 2025
The Honorable [First and Last Name]
[Office Number & Building if Applicable]
[Street Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear [Representative] Or [Senator] [Last Name],
Topic: Continuum of Care/HUD Funding
I’m writing to express concern about HUD’s last-minute changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program that would severely limit funding for existing permanent housing programs in Cuyahoga County.
HUD recently released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that takes effect immediately. CoC grant funds will start expiring as early as January 2026. HUD’s sudden changes to the CoC program jeopardize the homes of over 10,000 formerly homeless households in Ohio, including, people with disabilities, seniors, survivors of domestic violence, veterans, and families. In Cuyahoga County, this means that $37 million currently allocated to our county’s most vulnerable individuals could be cut—which would amount to 3,600 people in our community losing their housing.
This policy shift will undermine proven, cost-effective strategies that keep thousands of individuals and families in Ohio stably housed. Currently, supportive housing costs $72/day per household. Without stable housing, people will cycle through emergency rooms and jails, which would cost our taxpayers $1,200/day per person and $131/day per person, respectively.
I’m requesting that HUD remains accountable by requiring it to renew all eligible renewals based on the results of the FY2024 2-year CoC Program NOFO, as originally planned. Please support the constituents in your community with this important policy decision.
Sincerely
[Signed/Electronic Signature/or Printed Name]
[Your First & Last Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
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📞 Phone Script: Continuum of Care Policy
Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a constituent from [Your City/Zip Code].
I’m calling to urge you to maintain HUD accountability by requiring it to renew all eligible renewals based on the results of the FY2024 2-year Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Notice of Funding Opportunity NOFO, as originally planned. Please protect and support the constituents in your community with this important policy decision. CoC grant funds will start expiring as early as January 2026. HUD’s sudden changes to the CoC program jeopardize the homes of over 10,000 formerly homeless households in Ohio, including, people with disabilities, seniors, survivors of domestic violence, veterans, and families.
Can we count on you to protect CoC funding?
Thank you for your time and support. I can be reached at (xxx)xxx-xxxx
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Contact your FEDERAL Ohio representatives on the list linked below
