Recently, Senator Tom Coburn published a report highlighting wasteful programs funded by the federal government. Unfortunately, one of the listed programs was a $15,000 grant for community voicemail for homeless individuals and families. The report asks why voicemail for homeless persons was funded before housing.
While every homeless person does deserve affordable permanent housing, we know all too well that housing is not available for everyone who wants and needs it. In the interim, we must provide people who are homeless with all the assistance we can, to help them get their lives back on track. Community voicemail is an important part of this process. By allowing homeless persons to interact with employers, giving people a phone number helps them get jobs - which in turn can help individuals and families afford their own housing. And voicemail also lets homeless people interact with caseworkers from government agencies and nonprofits trying to provide them with assistance.
To make these points, NPACH was pleased to join Community Voice Mail in issuing a press release.