Rep. Carson Continues Battle on Homelessness (*** TAKE ACTION *** on H.R. 840 - HEARTH Act of 2007)

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Rep. Carson Continues Battle on Homelessness

Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Carson and Congressman Geoff Davis introduced the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2007 (HEARTH). The focus of this bill is reauthorization of title IV the McKinney-Vento Act and consolidation of the three competitive homeless assistance programs. This legislation would ensure that those on the verge of homelessness are caught before they lose their home, protect victims of domestic violence by prohibiting the disclosure of any identifying information by housing or service agencies and redefine the idea of homelessness as it is seen by HUD.

“I thank Congressman Davis for joining me in this vital step to ensure that Americans facing homelessness are aware of the options available to them. We can ensure that local communities address homelessness in the most logical way for them and not based off of arbitrary decision by the federal government. This bill has widespread and bi-partisan support and I am sure that it will have a positive impact on decreasing the approximately 3.5 million Americans who are thought to be homeless at some point in the next year,” Congresswoman Carson stated.

“I am once again proud to work with Congresswoman Carson as we address the needs of homeless populations in our communities,” said Congressman Davis. “Reauthorizing Title IV of the McKinney-Vento Act will help ensure that the organizations assisting the homeless receive the funding and federal support that they require to effectively combat homelessness. This legislation will also expand HUD’s definition of homelessness to include the types of homeless situations that families and children most often encounter. Expanding the scope of HUD’s definition will increase flexibility for agencies and organizations that serve homeless populations.”

Other original co-sponsors of the legislation are Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Rick Renzi. This legislation will help families, youth, veterans and others who have not been eligible for HUD assistance in the past receive the help they need.

http://juliacarson.house.gov/press07/02.07.07.shtml

Edited to add: TAKE ACTION:

Legislative Alert! - Grassroots organizations are urged to contact their Members of Congress and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 840, the HEARTH Act. Tell Members of Congress that H.R. 840 will provide more flexibility to communities and allow them to more effectively serve all segments of the homeless population. Read our Legislative Alert for more information.

http://www.nlchp.org/

Will you stand up for Human Rights for the Homeless & send this report to your Senators & Rep?: http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Sapphire%20Blue/154


The Nameless and Faceless Deaths in Our Midst: http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Sapphire%20Blue/157