CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA LEE SUPPORTS HOMELESS PREVENTION PERMANENT HOUSING RENEWAL ACT
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee today joined Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services John LaFalce
(D-NY) at a press conference to voice support for the Homeless Prevention Permanent Housing Renewal Act of 2001.
This bi-partisan legislation renews the expiring Shelter Plus Care permanent housing rental assistance grants through the HUD
Section 8 Housing Certificate Fund. The bill comes one year after thousands of low-income families saw their rental subsidies
cut off when expiring grants were not renewed forcing Congress to step
in with emergency legislation to restore rental subsidies
for these families. The renewal of this legislation would preclude that
crisis from recurring.
"We have at least 13,000 homeless people in Alameda County and
unfortunately, the number is growing," said Lee. "The cities
of Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Emeryville, and Albany are all facing
this crisis, and the Shelter Plus Care program is a critical
component of addressing the needs – housing and social services – of
the homeless, working poor, and disabled."
Shelter Plus Care provides rental assistance and a liaison with
social service programs so that supportive housing is provided for
homeless people with disabilities and their families.
"This population needs more than housing; they need medical care, counseling, and other supportive services to help them
prepare for living on their own," said Lee. "As they acquire the tools
they need, Shelter Plus Care provides them with a warm bed
and shelter."
"Our national leaders must work to develop a comprehensive housing agenda, and continue working towards ensuring that all
citizens have the means to live in decent conditions with access to necessary services," concluded Lee. "We are the richest
nation in the world, and that leaves us with no excuses not to provide these services."
Congresswoman Lee thanked Ranking Member LaFalce for introducing
the Homeless Prevention Permanent Housing Renewal
Act, and for his diligence in addressing the housing needs of
low-income families. The bipartisan legislation is supported by a
broad group of organizations including the National Alliance to End
Homelessness, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and
Catholic Charities.
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