Tell Congress to Pass the Homeless Children and Youth Act
- by: Covenant House
- recipient: United States House of Representatives
Many homeless children and youth are suffering out of public sight -- and they need our help now.
Often youth who are homeless on their own and homeless families, who fear their children may be taken away from them, will stay "under the radar," leaving them invisible to child welfare and other authorities.
But staying under the radar doesn't protect these children and youth from instability, physical abuse, health problems, hunger and educational deficits. Because of complete federal regulations, though, it far too often means they are denied access to the Homeless Assistance programs they need.
The Homeless Children and Youth Act, HR32, would cut the red tape so that local service providers can determine who is most in need. That would make it easier for homeless children, youth and families to receive homeless assistance.
Take action today: Tell your U.S. Representatives that all homeless kids need help -- no matter where they happen to live!
Often youth who are homeless on their own and homeless families, who fear their children may be taken away from them, will stay "under the radar," leaving them invisible to child welfare and other authorities.
But staying under the radar doesn't protect these children and youth from instability, physical abuse, health problems, hunger and educational deficits. Because of complete federal regulations, though, it far too often means they are denied access to the Homeless Assistance programs they need.
The Homeless Children and Youth Act, HR32, would cut the red tape so that local service providers can determine who is most in need. That would make it easier for homeless children, youth and families to receive homeless assistance.
Take action today: Tell your U.S. Representatives that all homeless kids need help -- no matter where they happen to live!
Dear [Representative],
I am writing to urge you to sign on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 32, The Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2011, and vote yes on its passage when it comes before you. H.R. 32 passed out of the Financial Services Committee's Insurance, Housing, and Community Opportunity Subcommittee on Tuesday, February 7, and is now heading to the full Financial Services Committee.
[Your comments will be added here]
This bi-partisan legislation amends the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of homelessness to include children, youth, and their families who are verified as homeless by federal program personnel from four federal programs: school district homeless liaisons designated under the education subtitle of the McKinney-Vento Act; Head Start programs; Runaway and Homeless Youth Act programs; and Early Intervention programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C.
The Homeless Children and Youth Act creates a streamlined, efficient referral process for homeless children and youth to access HUD homeless services. It stands in contrast to HUD's recently released regulations on the definition of homelessness, which impose requirements for multiple moves and long periods of homelessness, as well as extensive documentation and recordkeeping, before a family or youth receives HUD homeless assistance. The simplicity of the Homeless Children and Youth Act is modeled on successfully implemented federal laws that allow homeless children and youth to receive free school meals and allow access to financial aid for college.
The Homeless Children and Youth Act provides communities with the flexibility to serve and house families, children, and youth who are extremely vulnerable and in need of assistance. People in local communities are the best equipped to assess specific homeless situations to know which homeless families and youth are most in need of housing and services. Service providers make these determinations on a daily basis, and should be permitted to assess the full range of homeless situations.
For these reasons, I urge you to sign on to HR 32 as a co-sponsor, and vote yes on its passage when it comes before you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sign PetitionSign PetitionI am writing to urge you to sign on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 32, The Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2011, and vote yes on its passage when it comes before you. H.R. 32 passed out of the Financial Services Committee's Insurance, Housing, and Community Opportunity Subcommittee on Tuesday, February 7, and is now heading to the full Financial Services Committee.
[Your comments will be added here]
This bi-partisan legislation amends the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of homelessness to include children, youth, and their families who are verified as homeless by federal program personnel from four federal programs: school district homeless liaisons designated under the education subtitle of the McKinney-Vento Act; Head Start programs; Runaway and Homeless Youth Act programs; and Early Intervention programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C.
The Homeless Children and Youth Act creates a streamlined, efficient referral process for homeless children and youth to access HUD homeless services. It stands in contrast to HUD's recently released regulations on the definition of homelessness, which impose requirements for multiple moves and long periods of homelessness, as well as extensive documentation and recordkeeping, before a family or youth receives HUD homeless assistance. The simplicity of the Homeless Children and Youth Act is modeled on successfully implemented federal laws that allow homeless children and youth to receive free school meals and allow access to financial aid for college.
The Homeless Children and Youth Act provides communities with the flexibility to serve and house families, children, and youth who are extremely vulnerable and in need of assistance. People in local communities are the best equipped to assess specific homeless situations to know which homeless families and youth are most in need of housing and services. Service providers make these determinations on a daily basis, and should be permitted to assess the full range of homeless situations.
For these reasons, I urge you to sign on to HR 32 as a co-sponsor, and vote yes on its passage when it comes before you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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