The Trump administration has reversed a decision to freeze federal grants, providing relief to organizations such as Montana Fair Housing. The nonprofit helps combat housing discrimination and would have faced significant cuts if the funding had been threatened. The group assists nearly 1,900 households and housing providers each year, highlighting the importance of the federal funding. With a shortage of affordable housing in Montana, discrimination can increase as providers become more selective. The news comes as a recent cold snap in St. Louis has led to increased demand for homeless shelters, with Loaves and Fishes for St. Louis serving over 500,000 meals in 2024. Meanwhile, in Oregon, new research shows that over half of renters and a third of homeowners face housing cost burdens. Investing $45 million in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers is seen as a crucial step in addressing the housing crisis. Mayor John Park of Brookhaven discussed shared challenges and innovative solutions at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, focusing on addressing aging infrastructure, advancing public safety technology, and combating the housing affordability crisis. Park emphasized collaboration and forward-thinking strategies in tackling these issues.
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