At our best, America has always believed in both autonomy and collective investment. We value hard work, but we also recognize that strong families and thriving communities don’t happen by accident; they are supported by the systems we choose to build together.
In a societal sense, love should show up in systems by balancing strategic investment with humanity. In making sure no child goes hungry, no family loses their home due to circumstances beyond their control, and no community is left without a fair shot at opportunity. These are not partisan ideas; they are American ones.
At USI we see every day that employment, on its own, is not always enough to make ends meet. Nearly 60% of workforce-eligible individuals we serve are employed, yet many are in jobs that do not provide sufficient wages to support their families. For them, support programs are not about dependency; they are about stability, mobility, and the ability to keep working toward a better future.
Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, HUD Self-Sufficiency initiatives, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have long had bipartisan support because they address practical needs and expand opportunity. Together, they form a network of support that not only meets immediate needs but also fuels long-term economic growth.
The proposed changes to SNAP in the 2027 budget will certainly mean fewer resources for families already working hard to get by. Eliminating CDBG would remove one of the most flexible tools local governments have to strengthen neighborhoods, support housing, and encourage economic development. Ending funding for Choice Neighborhoods would pause efforts to replace distressed housing with safer, more vibrant communities.
At the same time, weakening support for CDFIs would limit access to responsible capital in underserved communities, making it harder for small businesses to start and grow, for developers to build affordable housing, and for local economies to thrive. CDFIs have a strong track record of leveraging public and private dollars to create jobs, expand homeownership, and strengthen community infrastructure, particularly in areas often overlooked by traditional financing.
There is strong evidence that these investments produce real, measurable results. Research from Opportunity Insights at Harvard University shows that children who grow up in revitalized public housing see meaningful increases in their long-term earnings, demonstrating that safe, stable environments contribute to future economic success.
The proposed elimination of HUD’s Self-Sufficiency Programs, including Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS), and Jobs Plus, would remove proven pathways that help families increase earnings, build savings, and reduce reliance on assistance over time. These programs are not just proven; they’re aligned with a core American goal: helping people stand on their own feet.
When we invest in people and communities, we invest in the country’s future strength. When we support families in staying stable and working toward self-sufficiency, we reinforce the values that unite us.
We all want an America where hard work pays off, communities are strong, small businesses can grow, and opportunity is within reach. The 2027 budget and beyond is an opportunity to build on that shared vision.
At the end of the day, the systems we choose to maintain, or weaken, reflect what we believe about one another.
And across parties and perspectives, we can agree: America works best when we ensure everyone has a fair chance of succeeding.
The time to act is now. Support children, families, and communities on their
path to stable and thriving by donating.
