Shelterforce published more than 140 pieces this year—a mix of reported articles, explainers, op-eds, and accounts from the field. But it came as no surprise that most of our top stories of 2025 were connected to federal housing policy.
The year was marked by misinformation and confusion as the Trump administration made moves to cut HUD programming, as well as change the federal response to homelessness, housing discrimination, and more.
Thank you for relying on us to provide you with the context and clarity needed to navigate the countless changes that were implemented or proposed this year.
Below is a list of Shelterforce’s top 10 stories of the year. Is there a story that resonated with you? Is there a piece that didn’t make the list that you found helpful in your work, or that others should read? Let us know in the comment section.
*Note: Data was collected from Dec. 1, 2024 to Dec. 1, 2025
No. 1—How Fast Could the Trump Administration Make HUD, Fair Housing Changes? Reporting by Lara Heard and Lillian M. Ortiz.
The administration’s plans could include taking apart the agency and withdrawing the AFFH rule. What specific changes have been hinted at and how easily might they be accomplished? Read the story.
No. 2—Section 8 Under Trump: How Policy Uncertainty Is Affecting Affordable Housing. Reporting by Shelby R. King.
As Trump reshapes the federal landscape, Housing Choice Voucher recipients, landlords, and administrators brace for potential funding cuts and fiscal chaos. Read the story.
No. 3—What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8? Reporting by Shelby R. King.
The Trump administration wants to nearly halve funding for federal rental assistance and make the states figure out how to distribute what’s left. Tenants, landlords, and housing providers say the fallout would be catastrophic, spiking homelessness and destabilizing communities. Read the story
No. 4—Inside the Colorado Town Where Public Camping Is Considered Workforce Housing. Reporting by Robert Davis.
To help ease the burden of finding affordable housing, officials in Buena Vista say businesses can allow employees to live on their property—but only temporarily. Read the story
No. 5—Trump’s Big Ugly Bill Is a Loss for Housing, an op-ed by Miriam Axel-Lute.
The tax bill includes a significant expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. However, its other provisions, especially cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, are so harmful that the affordable housing field should not be celebrating. Read the op-ed
No. 6—What’s Going on With the HUD Budget? Reporting by Shelby R. King.
As the federal government teeters on the edge of a shutdown, housing advocates warn of cuts to affordable housing programs in the remaining months of FY 2025—and say to brace for even deeper threats in FY 2026. From the loss of rental vouchers to slashed homeless assistance grants, what’s at risk now and what should advocates prepare for in the coming budget battles? Read the story
No. 7—Affordable Housing Finance 101, an explainer by Hanneke van Deursen.
The financial intricacies involved in building affordable housing can be difficult to understand. This explainer breaks down the foundational concepts. Read the explainer
No. 8—HUD Staff Cuts and Grant Delays Endanger Homelessness Services. Reporting by Roshan Abraham.
Housing advocates say they haven’t received answers about the status of $3.6 billion in funds awarded by the Biden administration to local continuums of care. Along with massive cuts planned for HUD’s staff, this means critical homelessness services are at risk. Read the story
No. 9—Trump Wants to Force Homeless People Into ‘Tent Cities.’ Can He? Reporting by Roshan Abraham.
The president pushed for sweeping crackdowns and the possible internment of people experiencing homelessness. To see what’s coming, we should look to what states have already done. Read the story
No. 10—What Trump’s DEI Orders Could Mean for Housing. Reporting by Miriam Axel-Lute and Lara Heard.
The president’s executive orders threaten the funding of a wide range of housing programs in the U.S. Over a dozen federal grantees told us how they’ve been affected, and how they’re planning for an uncertain future. Read the story
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