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How will the Big Beautiful Bill affect Homelessness?
On July 4, 2025, the “Big Beautiful Bill” became law. With it came a wave of federal policy changes that could dramatically worsen homelessness across the U.S. Promoted as a major tax cut and economic stimulus, the bill slashes funding for Medicaid, SNAP, and other key safety net programs.
At Cherry Willow Apparel, where every purchase supports unhoused individuals, we’ve seen how fragile the line between housing and homelessness can be. This legislation threatens to push thousands over that edge. Here's how it affects communities and what you can do to help.
What Is the Big Beautiful Bill?
The Big Beautiful Bill is a sweeping legislative package focused on permanent tax cuts, deregulation, and work requirements for federal aid. While many Americans may see slightly larger paychecks, the tradeoff includes deep funding cuts to healthcare, food assistance, and housing support programs.
These changes directly impact people living paycheck to paycheck, the very individuals most vulnerable to homelessness.
Medicaid Work Requirements Will Increase Housing Instability
One of the most harmful changes in the Big Beautiful Bill is the introduction of new Medicaid work requirements. Adults aged 19 to 55 must now work at least 80 hours per month to keep their health coverage.
This policy ignores the realities of millions of Americans living with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or unstable employment. For those already at risk of homelessness, losing access to healthcare can quickly lead to lost jobs, untreated illnesses, and eviction.
SNAP Cuts Will Push More Families Into Crisis
The bill also reduces SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding by over $180 billion. These cuts tighten eligibility rules and reduce monthly food assistance for millions.
When families are forced to choose between rent and food, housing often becomes the casualty. At Cherry Willow, we’ve witnessed mothers and seniors who have lost housing after losing food benefits. These decisions don’t just reduce quality of life; they lead directly to homelessness.
Homelessness Isn’t a Personal Failure, It’s a Policy Outcome
Supporters of the Big Beautiful Bill argue it will stimulate economic growth. However, decades of research show that deep cuts to federal aid programs often result in greater poverty and rising housing insecurity.
For people already struggling to stay housed, this bill does not offer opportunity. It removes lifelines. It reinforces cycles of poverty and pushes the burden of care onto local nonprofits, shelters, and donors.
How Cherry Willow Apparel Is Responding
At Cherry Willow Apparel, we don’t just talk about homelessness—we act. Every purchase from our store funds real-world solutions like shelter placements, resource kits, and outreach services.
We are doubling down on our mission to provide direct support for unhoused people affected by these changes. With fewer federal protections, community-based support matters more than ever.
What You Can Do to Help
Now is the time to get involved. Here’s how you can take action:
- Shop with purpose: Every Cherry Willow purchase supports housing outreach.
- Spread awareness: Share this article and talk about how the Big Beautiful Bill affects homelessness.
- Support advocacy: Contact your local representatives about protecting Medicaid, SNAP, and housing programs.
The Real Cost of the Big Beautiful Bill
The Big Beautiful Bill may promise economic freedom for some, but for many Americans, it delivers fewer healthcare options, less food, and more housing insecurity. This is a pivotal moment for communities, nonprofits, and everyday citizens to respond with compassion and action.
Homelessness is not inevitable. It is the result of choices, especially legislative ones. Together, we can choose differently.
