HUD to shut down offices as a result of sequester

http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-sequester-hud-office-closures-20130517,0,2002872.story

Across-the-board cuts in the federal budget will force the Department of Housing and Urban Development to close its offices on May 24 and possibly six other days.

HUD officials said it’s possible that cuts in other areas would enable HUD to keep the offices open on some of the days planned for closures.

About 125,000 individuals and families to lose assistance from a housing voucher program, putting them at risk of homelessness.

More than 100,000 formerly homeless people, including veterans, to be removed from housing or emergency shelter programs.

More than 900 Native American families to become unable to obtain housing loan guarantees for which they otherwise would qualify.

In a letter to California Gov. Jerry Brown, Donovan said HUD grants in California this fiscal year would be reduced by $193 million, affecting programs helping renters, the homeless, community development and housing for people with AIDS.

In a streamlining unrelated to the sequester, HUD also has announced plans to save money by shutting down 16 of its 80 field offices this year, including those in San Diego, Fresno and Sacramento.