Sunday, July 13, 2008

HOMELESS KIDS' ALERT 7-13-08

TWO MINUTES to MAKE HOMELESS KIDS COUNT!

Now is the time--we need you to help homeless families and teens! A 2 minute call can make a big difference!

ON TUESDAY, JULY 15, the US House Financial Services subcommittee meeting is scheduled to act on a critical bill that affects homeless families and teens.

THE ISSUE: HUD is fighting to greatly limit help for homeless families and teens by keeping a NARROW DEFINITION. We want a more realistic definition which includes families/teens, who because of hardship and loss of housing, stay in motels or doubled-up with others.

THE SCOOP: Sadly, despicable tactics have gutted the HEARTH Bill, HR 840, which we supported, and the new version STINKS! CLICK HERE to read Diane's blog for the scoop....
ACTION: We need everyone possible (READ--FLOOD) to call legislators on MONDAY (or fax before Tues.), especially members of the FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, to urge 2 steps:
1. VOTE NO for the "manager's amendment" to HR 840. Pull the bill until it can be re-worked.
2. If another amendment addresses MAKING HOMELESS KIDS COUNT with HUD, vote YES for it.
IF YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS SITS ON THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: it is essential to have as many people as possible from your community contact her/him.
IF YOUR MEMBER IS NOT on the committee contact your rep to urge them to request their colleagues to vote as above.
WHEN YOU CALL: Ask for the person who handles HUD issues. Briefly tell them you're calling about HR 840, and ask them to VOTE NO for the MANAGER'S AMENDMENT to HR840, and to VOTE YES for the amendment to MAKE HOMELESS KIDS COUNT.
TO FIND OUT WHO YOUR CONGRESSPERSON IS...CLICK HERE and type in your zip code (9-digit) in the upper left-hand corner of the page. Phone and fax numbers are on the website.

CLICK HERE for FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE members.

NOTE: Calls and faxes will be most effective for this effort.