Nineteen advocates spend day in DC
Richard W. Brown, Gildalina Santos, Congressman Albio Sires, Telissa Dowling and Charles Featherson (left to right).
On April 22, 2009, nineteen (19) formerly homeless people, passionate advocates and housing providers spent the day in our nation’s capital meeting with twelve (12) of our fifteen (15) elected officials as well as Governor Corzine’s Washington staff. The event was coordinated by the Housing and Community Development Network and the Advocacy Network to End Homelessness. Lobby Day was held at the end of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) national conference.
The goal of the day was to advocate for policies that would Help Strengthen Our Communities including the following four initiatives:
-
Maintain Rental Assistance Vouchers for very low income workers and people on fixed incomes;
-
Strengthen our economy by producing an adequate supply of both workforce and supportive housing;
-
Create a real program to end homelessness; and
-
Fully fund HUD housing programs.
Click here to read the full policy statement.
Meetings were held with either the member of Congress or senior staff in the following offices:
Charles Featherson and Congressman Pascrell.
Senator Lautenberg
Senator Menendez
Congressman Andrews
Congressman Adler
Congressman Smith
Congressman Pallone
Congressman Lance
Congressman Pascrell
Congressman Rothman
Congressman Payne
Congressman Holt
Congressman Sires
In addition, a meeting was held with the staff of New Jersey’s Washington office.
Although the final review of all of meetings has not been completed, the general consensus was of support of the policy requests.
In addition, each member was asked to join the Advocacy Network to End Homelessness on July 28, 2009, for the 3rd Annual Congressional Reception.
To register to attend the Congressional Reception click here.
To view all of the photos click here.
