The Trump White House in early March offered up a proposed Federal Budget for FY 2018 that would trim a cool $6 billion from spending by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

We at Thistle Communities, Boulder County’s second-largest provider of affordable housing with almost 900 rental and homeownership opportunities under management, are concerned about the effect of such cuts should they be adopted in a final budget.

Most troubling are the possible cuts to HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as “Section 8 vouchers”). Some 30 percent of Thistle residents (or 213 households), including low-income, elderly and disabled tenants, have a portion of their rent paid under this program. Without it, many of our most vulnerable residents could be in danger of becoming homeless.

Another nationwide nonprofit facing cuts or total elimination is NeighborWorks America, a national network of 250 community development organizations in which Thistle is the only Boulder County participant.

NeighborWorks brings national resources to local problems. It sets financial and operational standards for community development organizations in its network. Through those organizations, it invests in communities by making homeowner loans, economic development loans, counseling programs and capital improvements.

Mary Duvall, Thistle’s Chief Executive Officer, visited Washington last month to meet with our Congressional representatives and their staffs.

There are many recipients and beneficiaries of these programs right here in Boulder County. All of us who value diversity in Boulder County have a vested interest in supporting these programs.

Please contact your local representatives, including Jared Polis, Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet and voice your support for 2018 budget appropriations.