Shelters and Housing Were Dropped

Only Public Housing Benefits in the Senate Economic Stimulus Bill

The assistance to homeless shelters were discussed as part of the economic stimulus bill, but it was dropped. There was no money for housing or the National Housing Trust Fund. The Senate dropped the $1 Billion that would have benefited the Community Action Agencies (CEOGC locally) from the House passed bill. The Senate did add $5 billion for improvements to Public Housing. We hope that there is a bill to address the foreclosure crisis in America, and these other housing pieces can be added to that bill. Since housing and the corruption and instability in the housing market was the impetus for this crisis, it would seem that there should be much more in the stimulus bill to assist people into getting back into housing. I am glad that Public Housing may get stimulus dollars, but all the other housing programs were also starved in the last eight years and need help. With a huge influx of money, we can put people back to work quickly in building, renovating and replacing affordable housing across America. Next time you see your federal elected official walking down the street let him or her know that we need to address the housing situation yesterday.

Brian
Posts by Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless staff and Board.