John,

This year represented relentless attacks on our communities and our democracy. A new administration began, and with it, attacks on vulnerable communities, human needs programs, due process, and our right to dissent. Despite all of that, we have persevered and continued our fight for human needs and we even had a few victories, such as pressuring the administration to release $6 billion in education funds it had frozen¹ and somewhat lessening the extent of SNAP cuts. But here’s a key victory we mustn’t forget about: as we have spread the word about the painful cuts and cruel attacks on vulnerable people, constituents are sending millions of messages to their leaders, saying NO.

We know there is so much harm to reverse and prevent. As attacks on people with modest incomes, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and children continue, we cannot rest in our fight for an America that celebrates our differences and invests in our families and communities.

But look at public opinion polling. People don’t like these attacks. Only 34 percent think President Trump “cares about the needs of people like you.”² Even opinions related to immigration are shifting away from the president―68 percent say there should be a way for undocumented immigrants to stay in the country legally if certain requirements are met, and majorities oppose ICE raids on health care, religious, and other sites.³ CHN has played a role in shaping these changes in public opinion, by helping to make sure people understand the harms being inflicted, and by helping them to speak out.

There are so many harms to prevent on behalf of vulnerable people in 2026. There is so much at stake, including protecting funding for human needs programs, defending against cruel cuts, and ensuring that everyone has a voice in our multiracial democracy. We’ve started to make progress; public officials are seeing that people oppose these cuts and want actual help. But we can’t take the next vital steps towards undoing harm and calling for the progress we need without your support.

As we prepare for the fight ahead, will you make an end-of-year donation of $5 right now to help fuel our critical efforts in the New Year?

Together, we have joined our coalition allies in fighting back against xenophobic policies and defended immigrant communities. We joined our allies in Congress in fights to protect SNAP and Medicaid, and to fight back against the Big Brutal Bill.

We know that having affordable health care, stable housing, strong nutrition assistance, and quality child care helps families thrive. We understand that the double forces of racism and poverty are holding us back and are exacerbating the inequities of health, wealth, and education outcomes.

2026 will be a pivotal year in fighting back against relentless attacks on vulnerable people. Every day on the federal, state, and local levels, decisions are being made that have an immense impact on our lives. We are so grateful for supporters like you who make calls, write millions of letters, and sign petitions. Our democracy only works if we all participate.

Make an end-of-year donation of $5 to power our work to fight for fair and equitable programs in the New Year.

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From all of us here at the Coalition on Human Needs, we wish you a season of joy, peace, and love, and all the best in the New Year.

Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs

¹ Trump administration releasing $6 billion in education funding it withheld
² Gallup Poll, Americans End Year in Gloomy Mood
³ New Poll Shows Voters Oppose Immigration Arrests in Hospitals, Clinics, Other ‘Protected Areas’