Potential federal impacts on Seattle Housing Authority

Updated October 24, 2025

Five key things to know

  1. A federal shutdown will not change SHA services for now, and we will operate as normal. Housing Choice Vouchers payments, housing subsidy payments and all SHA services will continue uninterrupted through the end of 2025. 

  2. During the federal government shutdown, funding for SNAP has become uncertain. SHA is monitoring the situation, which is changing day-to-day. SHA encourages SNAP recipients to check dshs.wa.gov for the latest information. If you are in need of food, visit wa211.org/resources/food or foodlifeline.org/find-food.

  3. Although federal budget cuts are expected for 2026, we have an approach for keeping SHA tenants and services stable, while still making progress on needed building projects.

  4. Federal funding for the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program will stop by the end of next year. SHA is exploring options to absorb or gradually phase out this program to the extent possible, and will notify both tenants and landlords at least 12 months in advance about what to expect. 

  5. Help is available for immigration-related questions. While SHA cannot give legal advice, there are trusted organizations that can assist.

1. Effects of a federal government shutdown on SHA 

Capitol domeWhile the shutdown certainly affects many federal services and the people who depend on those services, it does not immediately affect SHA because we are not a federal agency.

We have a contingency plan, and during the shutdown we do not expect any disruption to our Housing Choice Vouchers or to our subsidy payments for residents of SHA housing.

In addition, SHA staff will continue to work and our services to residents will not be disrupted.

SHA and our partners are continuously monitoring events at the federal level, and are working hard to ensure safe housing and stable services for tenants and landlords. Should the situation change, we will communicate directly with those affected and share information more broadly. 

2. Update on SNAP and effects on residents

As has been reported in the news, federal government agencies have had to shut down because the federal budget year ended without Congress passing a continuing resolution or a new budget.

SHA and other housing authorities have been told that housing assistance will be covered through the end of December, and entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicaid should not be impacted.

However, recipients of food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) did not receive their usual benefits as of November 1, and funding for this essential program is likely to be uncertain during the shutdown.

SHA recognizes this is a serious concern for members of our community. The situation in Washington D.C. continues to be in flux, and so families might be needing additional food resources right away. Both Washington State and the City of Seattle have pledged additional aid to food banks during the pause in SNAP benefits. If you are in need of food, visit wa211.org/resources/food or foodlifeline.org/find-food.

SHA is in contact with our members of Congress, the Governor’s office, DSHS and our regional partners to share information about the impacts on families and communities.

Because SHA does not run SNAP, it’s important people get information directly from DSHS. To see the latest updates, visit dshs.wa.gov.

3. Federal budget changes and SHA impacts

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed on July 4, 2025, created new rules and funding levels for many federal programs. It includes cuts to housing, health care, education and other key social services.

Although we believe cuts to housing will be part of the federal budget, we won’t know the specific impact until Congress reconvenes and decides how money will be distributed through the appropriations process. In the meantime, SHA has an approach for keeping SHA tenants and services stable. Our 2026 budget maintains:

  • Services that residents rely on, including maintenance, safety, security and resident supportive services.
  • Our voucher program, which will help more families than ever.
  • Staffing levels, as their work for residents remains a top priority.
  • Our real estate development pipeline, which includes our redevelopment projects for current residents, and building projects needed to meet Seattle’s need for affordable housing.

In order to protect residents and voucher recipients, we will continue to monitor events at the federal level and to manage our resources carefully in order to better adapt to the anticipated federal cuts in 2026 and beyond. As events continue to evolve, we will share updates when information is reliable and useful for decision making.

4. Changes to the Emergency Housing Voucher Program

The Emergency Housing Voucher Program has been an essential tool for providing safe and affordable housing to Seattle residents. EHVs were part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act and were designed to assist individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking.

Although the program was originally meant to run through 2030, the federal government has decided to end funding in 2026.

SHA will continue to make rental payments to voucher recipients through next year, and both recipients and landlords are being notified of the change. SHA has also committed to giving recipients and landlords at least 12 months’ notice.

In the meantime, SHA is working with local partners to find new solutions and support options.

If you are an EHV program recipient and need more information, email EHV@seattlehousing.org.

5. Resources are available for people with questions about immigration issues

Some residents may have concerns about immigration issues or possible enforcement by ICE or the police. SHA staff cannot provide legal advice, but other organizations can. View a list of organizations who can help on immigration issues.  

Other helpful information can be found on these websites:

View the federal impact resource flyer