We’re a Step Closer to Improving Homeless Assistance for Families and Individuals!
This was a key issue at the Congressional Reception!
On July 31, 2008, in the final hours before August recess, the House Financial Services Committee unanimously voted in favor of HR 840 – the HEARTH Act, legislation introduced by the late Julia Carson (D-IN) and Geoff Davis (R-KY) to reauthorize HUD’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants program. Click here for a detailed summary of this legislation.
The bill passed with a manager’s amendment offered by Rep Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity Chair Maxine Waters (D-CA). The amendment makes the bill similar to S 1518 – the Community Partnership to End Homelessness Act. An amendment was offered by Rep Judy Biggert (R-IL) and Rep Geoff Davis (R-KY) to dramatically expand the definition of homelessness, but it was withdrawn after debate.
Several amendments were approved unanimously, including an amendment by Rep Bill Foster (D-IL) to clarify that nothing in the bill seeks to alter the Department of Education’s definition of homelessness; an amendment by Rep Keith Ellison (D-MN) to require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the varying definitions of homelessness and how well agencies are responding to the most dire housing needs of communities and make recommendations; and an amendment by Rep Maxine Waters (D-CA) to clarify that communities applying for CoC funds through the new rural program can use funds to address doubled-up individuals and families.
Please thank members of the House Financial Services Committee for passage of this bill and ask for their support when the bill comes to the floor. (See below for talking points and bill info). In NJ this is Congressman Garrett.
Our next steps include pushing for both the full House and Senate to consider their bills and the final passage of a McKinney reauthorization bill before the end of the year. Congress is on recess until September 5, 2008. The target date for adjournment is September 26th. At the Congressional Reception, all of the members of Congress that attended expressed support for McKinney-Vento reauthorization.
However, it is imperative that all of us contact our members of Congress – in support of the manager’s amendment as is without amendment. Click here to find out how to contact your Congress member.
Suggested Talking Points:
Call the staff person who works on housing and send an email and/or letter to follow up on your phone call.
1. “Thank you to you and Rep ___, as a Member of the Financial Services Committee, for passing HR 840 – the HEARTH Act.”
2. “What can Rep __ do to ensure that this bill is considered on the House floor before the end of the year?” (Please report back on what the staff person says in response.)
3. “I appreciate that the Committee approved the manager’s amendment which changes the definition of homelessness to include those who will imminently lose their housing and have no other housing available, but not in a way that would have drawn significant resources from the homeless families and individuals who currently have no place to live.”
4. “I appreciate that the legislation promotes permanent housing solutions and expands the program’s ability to serve children and families, and those with disabilities.”
5. Thank the staff for any other provisions in the bill that are important to you.
