Future of local nonprofits left uncertain as federal funds remain frozen following President Trump's memo

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Many local organizations were left confused following President Donald Trump's memo rescinding his federal funding freeze. The freeze halted trillions of dollars in federal funding and grants.

There are tools required to build a house, but some tools aren’t always visible. At Habitat for Humanity, Milwaukee, federal funding helps the nonprofit provide Milwaukeeans with more than just a home.

“It is changing the trajectory of health outcomes of families for years to come,” said CEO Brian Sonderman.

The organization receives more than $1 million in federal funding. Now, that aid faces an uncertain future.

“We’re effective and we’re highly efficient. And that will be our message to the new administration,” said Sonderman.

Sonderman says when building a home or other projects, Habitat for Humanity will contract the work out and then ask the government for reimbursements.

“That adds up,” said Sonderman.

A loss of federal funds means that money may not get reimbursed, leaving habitat for humanity to find a way to pay for their projects on their own.

“That is potentially only going to grow as we complete projects and submit reimbursements,” said Sonderman. “It leaves us in a position of not knowing what the future holds.”

Sonderman says while Habitat for Humanity is committed to finishing their current projects, this could change the future of the nonprofit.

“The longer this drags out and there continues to be that level of uncertainty, that would clearly make an impact on the number of future projects we take on,” said Sonderman.

It’s an issue he says the only people who lose are the ones who need a home.

“This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. It’s an American issue,” said Sonderman.