There is evidence that solution-focused interventions have reduced homelessness in many communities across the country. However, because of the current economic situation, many states are facing budget deficits, and a growing number of low-income households are in the midst of a housing and financial crisis. Without a meaningful response from the federal government, homelessness will inevitably increase.

We have a unique opportunity to gain new resources for important housing and prevention strategies. Congress and the incoming Obama Administration are crafting legislation right now aimed at economic recovery and stability. Reports indicate that it will cost anywhere from $500 billion to $1 trillion.

Please join us in calling on them to invest in key programs to prevent future spikes in homelessness and refuel local efforts to end homelessness.*

Action Needed

Ask your Senators and Representatives to prevent increases in homelessness by urging the leadership to include in an economic package:

• $2 billion for the Emergency Shelter Grant Program for preventing and ending homelessness,
• $10 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund over two years, and
• $3.6 billion for 400,000 Section 8 vouchers over two years.

Call or email the staff person who works on housing issues or copy that person on a letter and fax it to your Members of Congress’ offices.

For information to help you make your case:

• Click here for detailed talking points.
• Click here for background material on the funding requests.

*The Alliance has been working with several Congressional offices involved in this legislation and these funding requests have been very well received. Now, it is crucial that staff hear from their constituents about how this funding will impact efforts locally to prevent and end homelessness.

Timing:

Congress will be crafting an economic recovery package this week and a final bill will likely be considered when the new Congress takes office, so as early as January. It is important that Members of Congress hear from you now as they write the bill. We will continue to update you at future points in the process when further action is needed.

Please contact Sarah Kahn to report what you hear back from offices and if you have any questions or comments (202-942-8259 / skahn@naeh.org).