Hastings Introduces Legislation Addressing Chronic Homelessness Nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 4, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Homelessness Caucus, introduced the Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act. This bill would establish a grant program to provide permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals and families whose needs are not addressed by traditional affordable housing. (Please find the attached copy of the bill):

“The very sad reality is that approximately 84,291 Americans experience chronic homelessness on any given night,” said Hastings. “This bill will help to alleviate the widespread problem of chronic homelessness across the country.”

“It provides innovative new requirements for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to end the problem of unstable housing, which is blighting the lives of as many as 2 million people across our nation. By focusing on HHS, the bill aims to succeed where previous initiatives have fallen short.

“Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Arnold Abbott, a homeless advocate in my district. During our conversation he mentioned a number of issues facing the homeless population he serves, many of which this bill aims to address. Supportive services are 100 percent practical and make strong economic sense. Studies have demonstrated that these services are a guaranteed investment of public and private resources, resulting in significant reductions in readmissions to hospitals, nursing homes or prisons, as well as an overall positive shift in mental and physical well-being. Furthermore, they are an effective means to end long-term homelessness,” Hastings further commented. “I encourage my colleagues in Congress to help address the widespread problem of chronic homelessness across our nation by supporting this critically important legislation.”

Joining Hastings as original co-sponsors of this legislation include (7): Representatives Mark Takano (D-HI), Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL), Alan Grayson (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX).