Congress tackling homelessness?

Congress introduces bill seeking to prevent and curb homelessness.

Matthew 25:35-40 (NRSV) says:

for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

Therefore as individuals, as organizations, as a nation that set its sights upon life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, we must take care of the least of these.
Via Chuck Currie, NPACH released a statement regarding the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act (HEARTH), HR 840 yesterday afternoon. The bill was introduced by Democratic representatives Julia Carson and Barbara Leeas well as Republicans Geoff Davis and Rick Renzi.

"This legislation represents a valuable opportunity to assist all people who are homeless — individuals and families, persons with disabilities, children and youth. The HEARTH Act would give communities – rural, urban and suburban alike – some of the necessary tools to respond to the crisis of homelessness, rather than force a one size fit all solution,” said Brad Paul, NPACH Executive Director.

Federal resources in combating the homeless rates in our communities have been dwindling.

Under this policy direction the homeless assistance programs have received very modest increases to account for renewals of supportive housing projects, but other housing programs, including HOME, CDBG, and Section 8, have been cut by $3.3 billion over the past two years.

According to NPACH recent revelations have indicated that homelessness is more common that traditionally thought. Lowering the rates and helping actual people get off the streets is a multi-tiered solution including the expansion of affordable housing, greater access to health care and livable wages.
Solutions need to come from federal, state and local resources. Decisions need to be made on an individual basis in regards to the circumstances but a select few organizations or agencies. It takes a support network of individuals but unfortunately many homeless people do not have. This act provides a network of resources for emergency shelters as well as support services and aims at prevention.