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Spotlight On...
House Releases Draft 302(b) Allocations
Last Friday, June 13, the House Appropriations Committee released draft 302(b) allocations for the fiscal year (FY) 2009 appropriations process, which set the overall funding levels for each of the 13 appropriations subcommittees. After the 302(b) allocations are finalized, each subcommittee will take its overall total and distribute it among the various programs. Under the draft allocations, the Transportation-HUD Subcommittee, which funds homelessness and low-income housing programs, will receive $55 billion for FY 09, which is $6.2 billion greater than what was enacted in FY 08 and $4.4 billion greater than the President's request.
House to Hold Hearing on Section 811 Bill
This Friday, June 20, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), chair of the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity of the House Financial Services Committee, will hold a hearing on H.R. 5772, the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2008. The bill, which was introduced in April by Rep. Christopher Murphy (D-CT) and Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IN), would make a number of changes to the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program. The hearing is scheduled for 10 AM in Room 2128 of the Rayburn House Office Building, and a list of witnesses has not yet been announced.
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In the Media: Female Veterans
Medill Reports last week told the story of Debra Filter, a woman who enlisted in the Army in 1978 in order to escape childhood abuse, get an education, and see the world. Unfortunately, the abuse did not end. Filter said several fellow soldiers raped her on the night of her graduation from basic training, and, following that incident, her drill sergeant publically told her that she ought to be ashamed of herself. She was discharged from the army shortly thereafter; but the experience left her suffering from nightmares, panic attacks, and bouts of depression, and unable to hold down a job. She soon ended up homeless, living between various women's shelters and her cousin's couch before seeking aid from U.S. Vets, a temporary housing and employment assistance center in Las Vegas, NV. According to the article, her story is not rare--about 75 percent of female veterans report being victims of sexual abuse, suffered either in the military or in civilian life. According to Peter Dougherty, director of the homeless veterans programs for the Department of Veterans Affairs, out of 500 VA-run homeless shelters, only 300 accept women and none accept women with children. In addition, there are only 15 programs that address women veterans specifically, or have separate living arrangements from men.
Online registration is now available. Register and reserve your hotel room now! The early registration rate and the group rate for a hotel room ends on June 24, 2008.
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Legislative Updates 
This video highlights how communities across the country are decreasing homelessness among families. Thanks to the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it’s yours to use for free. 