Homelessness: A crisis we can no longer afford to ignore

On Wednesday, March 30th, the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness hosted its first briefing of the 112th Congress, entitled: A Growing Epidemic: Homeless Children, Youth, and Families. An epidemic is exactly what homelessness is in our country. In 2009, the nation’s family homeless population was 243,156, an increase of 6,252 people from 2008. The number of homeless children and families throughout the United States is appalling. Overall, more than half a million people in the United States do not have a place to call home each night and half of them are without shelter.  This was the fourth briefing the Caucus has hosted since its founding last year by myself and Co-Chairs, Representatives Judy Biggert (IL), Geoff Davis (KY), and Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX). 

My mother used to say to me: “Who you pass on your way up are the same people you pass on the way down.” The families that we spoke about at last week’s briefing are just like yours and mine. All it takes is an unexpected bill, a company downsizing, or a bad mortgage—to create a situation where a family cannot maintain housing. 

There is no better way to understand homelessness than to listen to the voices of those who have experienced it. Excerpts from two films by Diane Nilan of HEAR US were shown at the briefing, which captured the voices and experiences of homeless children and mothers from across the country. The briefing was moderated by Barbara Duffield, Policy Director for the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth and we heard from several panelists who, I believe, are doing God’s work.  

Panelist Beth McCullough, Adrian School District’s Home and School Liaison in Michigan, spoke about the need for education and school support programs and resources. Lori Criss of Amethyst Inc. in Columbus, Ohio, spoke about homeless families with specialized needs. Road Home’s Michelle Flynn in Salt Lake City, Utah, spoke of federal programs that allow her organization to get families off the streets and back into homes. By looking at programs working locally, Members of Congress and their staff were able to get a clear look at the facts – this is not the time to abandon those who need us the most.

When our nation is facing the utmost challenges, we cannot afford to cut programs and initiatives that are working for these families to secure stable housing and to keep children in school. President Obama’s 2012 Budget has proposed a $300 million cut to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which ensures affordable housing, provides services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and creates jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. 

In addition, the proposed FY 2011 budget cuts could delay implementation of the HEARTH Act and limit McKinney-Vento homeless assistance grants preventing homeless programs highlighted at the briefing from spreading across the country. Other programs are also at risk such as veterans supportive housing, SAMHSA homeless grants, elderly and disabled housing within HUD and funding for runaway and homeless youth programs. I cannot make sense that we can pay for 150 Tomahawk Missiles for a no-fly zone to fight against a human rights crisis in Libya and yet we have an estimated 2,000,000 people experiencing homelessness right here at home. That is also a human rights crisis. What we need is a “No Homelessness Zone!”

As the founding Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness, I can say with all certainty, members of this Caucus take this work very seriously. Further, we cannot ignore the fact that a growing number of families, many who are working, are homeless. As the 2010 Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness declares: “There are no ‘homeless people,’ but rather people who have lost their homes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.” I am committed, as a Representative of the 85,000 homeless persons in my home state of Florida, to end homelessness by promoting a comprehensive national response that addresses the housing, health care, income, and civil rights causal factors and consequences of extreme poverty. With so many Americans in need, it is not the time to cut proven and cost effect solutions to end homelessness. 

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Democratic Chairman of the Florida Delegation.