Contra Costa County is bracing for big cuts to federal funding that helps provide housing for the unsheltered. County leaders said the Department of Housing and Urban Development has warned it could slash funding that currently pays for hundreds of residents to have a roof over their head. Housin g leaders estimate up to 500 homes could be lost as part of federal cuts that could start this summer. “When people have a roof over their head with services, they’re able to support their family,” Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia said. “They’re able to be in a position to get a job to contribute to their community. When they’re out on the street or unhoused, you don’t have the ability to support your family.” Contra Costa County has used federal money to keep former motels converted into housing open for those in need. But the county said it could lose as much $10 million this year, which could force many back on the streets. San Francisco Apr 16 San Francisco tops US housing market as homes sell far over asking, report says San Francisco Apr 16 San Francisco considers closing some permanent supportive housing Oakland Apr 15 Oakland passes measure to clear RVs and cars used as shelter from public spaces Gioia said the county could lose 40% of its homeless support funding from the federal government, adding a sales tax measure voters will consider in November would help backfill the reductions not just to housing for the unsheltered, but to health care and food assistance. “All of these cuts at the federal level are to allow the federal government to fund a war on Iran and to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans,” Gioia said. “And they’re all impacting our most vulnerable residents.” Contra Costa County will not know the exact impact of any cuts until June, but leaders point out any reduction would reverse progress made to get the unsheltered into homes. ...read more read less