Elderly residents deserve safety and comfort, not neglect. 

Seniors in communities like Trinity Woods in Emporia, Virginia, are being left to suffer in dangerous living conditions after the Department of Housing and Urban Development abruptly froze funding that was already awarded for desperately needed heating and cooling upgrades. 

For three years, residents have lived without a working central air system. They’re relying on fans, portable units, and hope to survive summer heatwaves and winter chills in buildings with failing infrastructure.

The $5.4 million grant to Trinity Woods wasn’t just a number — it was a promise.

A promise to Linda Morgan, who runs six fans all summer just to breathe.

A promise to Deanna Moore, who can’t even enjoy a simple bingo night in the community room because it gets unbearably hot.

A promise to Sonya Urquhart, who lived in her car before finally finding safe, stable housing.

Now that promise has been shattered.

This program was supposed to make life safer, healthier, and more affordable for thousands of older Americans across the country. Instead, it’s been cruelly paused by DOGE under the Trump administration, leaving seniors to swelter or freeze in aging buildings while their health, safety, and dignity are on the line.

The money was already awarded. The plans were in motion. Cutting off this funding now is not only irresponsible, it’s inhumane.

We demand that HUD immediately restore funding to the Affordable Housing Act and the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program. Do not turn your back on our seniors. They’ve given so much and shouldn’t be forced to suffer just because they can’t afford more.

Their lives are worth more than a budget cut.

Photo: Carlos Bernate/for NPR