President Barack Obama at the Lincoln Memorial
President Barack Obama on Wednesday May 20, 2009, signed S.896 the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act and the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act into law. The legislation will reauthorize McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance programs for the first time in nearly 20 years. The legislation will provide communities with new resources and better tools to prevent and end homelessness.
This is a historic day in our efforts to end homelessness in New Jersey. This has been a priority issue for the New Jersey Advocacy Network to End Homelessness and our members. It was also an issue which was discussed with the members of Congress visited during Lobby Day on April 22nd. This is a clear example of how effective advocacy can make a difference!
“This legislation significantly increases aid to homeless Americans, appropriating $2.2 billion dollars to help solve the crisis of homelessness, and address the enormous costs homelessness can impose on individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities. In addition, the legislation consolidates homelessness programs to improve effectiveness and streamline administration, and targets assistance to families with children – the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.” the President said as he signed this historic bill. To read the full text of his comments click here.
The HEARTH Act is the first significant reauthorization of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance programs in nearly 20 years and allocates millions more to homelessness prevention, rapidly re-housing homeless families, and providing permanent supportive housing for homeless people with disabilities. It also modernizes and streamlines housing and services to more efficiently meet the needs of people seeking assistance.
Fourteen of the fifteen members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation voted in favor of the bill. To view the votes of our Senators and Representatives click here to read our previous post.
This vote will be one of the ones that will be used in the 2009 Congressional Report Card. In addition, during the 3rd Annual Congressional Reception this will allow us time to thank our members who supported the HEARTH legislation. Click here to register to attend!
