The time to begin our national advocacy to increase federal funding for supportive services within the Department of Health and Human Services.
FY 2010 Appropriations Request would provide $120 million in SAMHSA homeless programs for essential mental health and substance use treatment services linked to permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals and families and other housing programs targeted to homeless families, youth and individuals. The request would increase funding by $64 million over the FY 08 funding level.
As we all aware one of the largest obstacles to ending homelessness for individuals and families is obtaining supportive services. In 2007, the Department of Health and Human Services updated its 2004 report entitled Ending Chronic Homelessness: Strategies for Action. The updated strategic plan, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Strategic Action Plan on Homelessness, broadened HHS’ focus to include all homeless populations and their need for services. In the recent competition conducted by SAMHSA for $10 million in homeless services grants, the agency received over 250 qualified applications, of which the agency was only able to fund 23 grants. The interest and capacity of providers to put these federal dollars to work and end homelessness for thousands of homeless individuals should demonstrate to Congress a clear mandate to significantly increase funding for SAMHSA’s homeless programs.
Click here for a detailed overview of the SAMHSA request.
Click here for the invitation to a Congressional Briefing Homelessness and the Economic Crisis.
Click here for a sample letter.
If you do not know your members telephone number use this toll free number, 877-210-5351.
Immediate Next Steps:
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This week and next week, please invite Congressional staff to attend the NAEH briefing, Homelessness and the Economic Crisis, on Monday, February 23. Speakers will discuss efforts to end homelessness and related policies initiatives.
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Beginning now through February 25, fax a letter to your Member(s) of Congress and Cc the staff person who works on health and human services appropriations issues asking them to support an increase in funding. Senator Lautenberg is member of the Appropriations Committee. He has supported our request for additional funding in prior years. However, it is important for him to receive as many calls and letters as possible.
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Ask your colleagues to send similar letters in support. Staff have made it clear that having letters from the district makes it easier to gain office support for the issue.
Please report back on letters sent and responses from staff!
Our national partners include:
The National Alliance to End Homelessness, Enterprise Community Partners, The Corporation for Supportive Housing, The National AIDS Housing Coalition, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, The National Center on Family Homelessness, The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and The National Network 4 Youth.
