Fight to Promote an End to Homelessness!

An individual is considered chronically homeless if they have been homeless for one year continuously or has been homeless on four different occasions within a three year period (Hastings, 2017). H.R. 161, also known as the Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act is a bill that that would provide grants for services that would positively impact chronic homeless individuals and their families (Hastings, 2017). This would mean that agencies and those who serve the chronically homeless population would receive funds from these grants. The services that would be provided by recipients of the funding would primarily be case management, substance use disorder treatment, mental health treatment, advocacy, life skills training, money management training, medical care, and parental skills training, and other services that promote self-sufficiency (Hastings, 2017). There would be increased access to services for a vulnerable population as a result of this. Promoting services that aid in ending homelessness is vital, and those who are chronically homeless would benefit tremendously from the passing of this bill. However, no more than 20% of the funds awarded by these grants could be used to aid those who are not chronically homeless (Hastings, 2017). This could exclude large portions of the homeless community from receiving services. If you have been living on the streets, a shelter, or a place not meant for human habitation you still may not be able to receive services based on this grant unless you are chronically homeless. This is largely unfair and not only excludes a portion of those who are homeless, but also those who are at-risk of homelessness. If we are to truly end homelessness, we must address those who are at-risk, homeless, and chronically homeless. Therefore, it is being proposed that the funds being made available by these grants are not constricted to those who are chronically homeless and those who serve them. Help us change this bill to provide more funding to services that address the needs of those who are at-risk, homeless, and chronically homeless. We are proposing to remove the limit that only 20% of these funds can go towards serving those who are not chronically homeless. Instead, it is suggested that 100% of the funds be made available for anyone serving those who are at-risk of homelessness, homeless, or chronically homeless. Sign this petition to help promote social justice for those who are already vulnerable, and create changes to this bill that are more in alignment with the National Association of Social Workers (2017) value of social justice. Social workers promote social justice and should strive to ensure access to needed services (National Association of Social Workers, 2017). Not only should social worker promote this value, but so should all citizens. Help us make these changes and promote social justice and equal opportunity by signing this petition today!