Because of what we learned from you, NPACH worked closely with staff for the late Representative Julia Carson to introduce the HEARTH Act, a strong bill to rewrite the laws governing HUD's homeless assistance programs. HEARTH has been co-sponsored by 85 House Members, including almost all Democrats on the Housing Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee.
Despite the broad support for HEARTH, when the bill is considered Subcommittee Chairwoman Maxine Waters plans to introduce an amendment that would replace the entire HEARTH Act with a new bill. This new bill is almost identical to the Senate's McKinney-Vento bill, S. 1518, which NPACH has opposed. Congresswoman Waters plan is supported by Full Committee Chairman Barney Frank.
The Financial Services Committee is likely to schedule a meeting for Wednesday, July 30, to consider housing bills. We urge the Committee not to consider the HEARTH Act during this markup. Instead, the House should continue to work with NPACH and other stakeholders to improve the bill. A more reasonable bill would maintain key elements of HEARTH - an improved definition of homelessness, balanced set-asides and incentives that do not unreasonably limit local flexibility, and requirements for broad community participation in local Continuums of Care.
If markup proceeds, the bill can be substantially improved by supporting the "Homeless Children and Youth Amendment." This amendment would allow children, youth, and families who are defined as homeless by education and human services programs to be considered homeless under HUD's definition. While the amendment would not cover nearly as many people as HEARTH as introduced, it is a fair proposal that we enthusiastically support.
Action Needed by Thursday -- Read Our Full Alert
Get the Facts About the Homeless Children and Youth Amendment