Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 23, 2025
CHN CEO Exposes Hidden Homeless Crisis Amid Proposed Federal Cuts
TLDR
- Kirsten Elliott's leadership at Community Housing Network secured $120 million in funding, creating a competitive advantage in developing nearly 1,000 affordable housing units across Michigan.
- Community Housing Network addresses homelessness through strategic funding management, organizational restructuring, and development of housing communities while navigating complex zoning laws and government funding challenges.
- Community Housing Network's work creates thriving communities by providing affordable housing solutions that empower marginalized individuals and build stronger, more equitable neighborhoods for future generations.
- Despite 60% of homeless individuals having jobs, no U.S. minimum-wage worker can afford a one-bedroom apartment without working 86 hours weekly, revealing hidden housing crises.
Impact - Why it Matters
This interview matters because it reveals the true scale of America's housing crisis that extends far beyond visible homelessness. The concept of 'hidden homelessness' affects millions of working families who don't qualify for assistance despite struggling with housing costs. With 42% of Michigan households unable to meet basic needs and proposed federal cuts threatening to worsen the situation, this crisis impacts community stability, economic productivity, and public health. Affordable housing isn't just a social issue—it's fundamental to workforce stability, educational outcomes, and preventing intergenerational poverty. As housing costs outpace wages and government support diminishes, more families face displacement, creating ripple effects across local economies and social services that affect everyone, regardless of income level.
Summary
Kirsten Elliott, CEO and president of Community Housing Network (CHN), brings over two decades of experience and deep personal commitment to affordable housing to her leadership role. Having experienced firsthand the transformative power of supportive housing, Elliott has dedicated her career to building communities where marginalized individuals can thrive. Throughout her 24-year tenure at CHN, she has held key leadership positions including Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Development, spearheading initiatives like the Housing Resource Center and overseeing the development of landmark affordable housing communities such as Unity Park in Pontiac and Jefferson Oaks in Oak Park. Her strategic guidance has resulted in managing over $120 million in funding and creating nearly 1,000 new affordable housing units across Michigan.
The interview reveals alarming statistics about the housing crisis, including that there is currently no county or state in the U.S. where a full-time minimum-wage worker can afford a modest one-bedroom apartment, requiring 86 hours of work per week just for housing costs. Elliott highlights the concept of "hidden homelessness," where people may be couch-surfing, living in cars or motels, or fleeing domestic violence but don't qualify for housing services because they're excluded from official definitions. The 2024 Point In Time count found over 770,000 people experiencing homelessness nationally, representing an 18% increase from 2023, though experts estimate the actual homeless population could be 2.5 to 10 times higher.
Elliott expresses serious concerns about proposed federal budget cuts, including a 44% reduction to affordable housing, homelessness, and community development programs, which she warns will have catastrophic impacts during an existing housing crisis. She emphasizes that 42% of Michigan households struggle to meet basic needs, with a family of four requiring $90,096 annually just to cover essentials. The interview concludes with practical recommendations for business and civic leaders, including volunteering, donating, and advocating for policy changes to address zoning barriers and transportation limitations that exacerbate housing insecurity across Southeast Michigan.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by citybiz. Read the original source here, CHN CEO Exposes Hidden Homeless Crisis Amid Proposed Federal Cuts
