Skip Navigation

Newsroom

Federal Update: Government Reopens, but Major Housing Risks Remain

December 9, 2025

Updated December 2025

After the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, the federal government has finally reopened. While this is an important step toward stability, things are far from being “back to normal.”

The shutdown created deep uncertainty for communities that depend on federal housing and homelessness programs.

FY2025 HUD CoC NOFO

Last month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) introduced the FY2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which is the primary federal source of funding for homelessness response systems nationwide. The NOFO would have had additional and immediate risks for Ohio and Franklin County.

As of December 8, 2025, HUD has officially rescinded the FY25 CoC NOFO. Currently, there is no additional information about the next steps, revised timelines, or potential implications for local systems.

HUD’s formal statement is as follows:

“Today, the Department withdrew a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) with respect to the Continuum of Care (CoC) grant program. This withdrawal will allow the Department to make appropriate revisions to the NOFO, and the Department intends to do so… The Department still intends to exercise this discretion and make changes to the previously issued CoC NOFO to account for new priorities. HUD anticipates reissuing a modified NOFO well in advance of the deadline for obligation of available Fiscal Year 2025 funds.”

Key Implications for Franklin County
  • There is no active FY25 federal application at this time.
  • Communities have no guidance on revised renewal requirements or timelines.
  • Potential impacts on program continuity, provider staffing, and housing stability remain unknown.
  • This uncertainty arises during a critical winter period, when demand for shelter and housing services is highest.
Why This Matters

The City of Columbus and Franklin County rely heavily on CoC funds to sustain more than 4,000 units of permanent housing, including:

  • 3,235 permanent supportive housing beds
  • 1,050 rapid rehousing units

These programs stabilize seniors, people with disabilities, families, youth, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence.

Any interruption or delay in federal guidance could:

  • Disrupt vital housing and supportive services
  • Strain emergency response systems
  • Increase homelessness as winter conditions heighten risk
  • Create fiscal and operational uncertainty for provider agencies
CSB’s Response and Advocacy

CSB is in close communication with HUD, statewide coalitions, and local government partners. We will share updates immediately as new information becomes available. Our priority is maintaining system stability and ensuring continuity of services for residents who depend on them.

Back to All News