SNAP shares impact of funding cuts

 

Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) is concerned about a proposed federal budget would eliminate the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, a funding source for low- and moderate-income households.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), CDBG funding is a backbone of SNAP's work to support housing stability, emergency home repairs, small business development and economic mobility. In 2024, SNAP used CDBG dollars to do home repairs for 276 Spokane families.

"This funding supports everything from keeping seniors safely housed to helping local entrepreneurs start small businesses. Without it, we risk unraveling a safety net that thousands of people depend on," said Julie Honekamp, CEO of SNAP.

Home repairs done by Spokane contractors support local jobs and keep dollars circulating locally.

CDBG helps SNAP provide one-on-one financial and housing counseling and small business coaching with SNAP Financial Access, reaching people left out of traditional financial systems.

If Congress passes the proposed budget without CDBG funding, low-income homeowners may be left in unsafe housing; more families could face homelessness; seniors and people with disabilities may lose access to financial counseling; entrepreneurs may be cut from essential tools and capital, and neighborhood improvement projects may be canceled or delayed. SNAP could also lose matching funds from other federal and state sources.

"This is not just a funding cut—it's a blow to Spokane's stability and economic health," Julie said. "CDBG gives us tools to meet people where they are."

SNAP urges people to contact elected officials and for those benefiting from CDBG progras to share their stories with media to help protect this resource.

For information, call 456-7627 x 5335 or email henrich@snapwa.org