Attorney General Aaron M. Frey announced on Apr. 2 that a federal appeals court has ruled against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) attempt to impose new restrictions on housing-assistance grant funding, siding with Maine and other states in a legal dispute over homelessness support programs.
The decision affects tens of thousands of formerly homeless people nationwide who rely on stable housing funded through the Continuum of Care program, which is described as the largest source of federal homelessness assistance funding. The case highlights ongoing debates about federal policy changes and their impact on vulnerable populations.
Frey and a coalition of states filed suit last November after HUD reduced allowable spending for permanent housing and added what they called unlawful conditions to grant access. A preliminary injunction from U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy had already blocked HUD’s actions in December, citing potential irreparable harm if the restrictions were implemented. On April 1, an appeals court upheld this injunction, stating there was ample evidence that HUD’s planned changes would be “immediately destabilizing and disastrous for their constituents.”
“When so many can barely afford basic necessities, the cruelty of threatening housing security for vulnerable Mainers to advance a political agenda is appalling,” Frey said in response to the ruling. “While this attempt by HUD was obviously unlawful, the stress and uncertainty the Administration created in a vulnerable population and the people working hard to support them is wholly unnecessary and deeply destructive.” Governor Janet Mills also commented: “I applaud Attorney General Frey on this critical victory, which blocks the President’s callous attempt to take housing away from more than 1,200 Maine people. I will continue to stand alongside the Attorney General to fight back against the President’s abuses of power and attempts to harm Maine people.”
According to court documents referenced by state officials, Continuum of Care programs currently provide stable housing for more than 1,800 Mainers—including families with children, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, and survivors of domestic violence—and over 1,200 could have lost their homes under HUD’s proposed changes.
Frey has engaged in public service through legislative roles and legal practice according to his official website. He served three terms in the Maine House of Representatives from 2012 until 2018 according to his official website. His background includes earning degrees from Saint Anselm College (Bachelor of Arts) and Roger Williams University School of Law (Juris Doctor) according to his official website. Frey was born in Bangor before moving with his family to Dixmont according to his official website, serves on the Baxter State Park Authority according to his official website, and demonstrates commitment through various roles outlined online as outlined on his official website.
A copy of Monday’s appeals court ruling can be found at https://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/sites/ca1/files/opnfiles/26-1217P-01A.pdf.
