Advocacy Resource | 2 Mar 2010

Author: National Alliance to End Homelessness

Files: PDF | 161 KB | 1 page

Getting $2.4 Billion for HUD’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants Program:
Sample Talking Points for Congressional Staff in House Offices

• I am calling to ask if your boss will support a funding level of $2.4 billion for HUD’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants program in FY 2011. Specifically, I would like Representative (______) to sign a Congressional sign-on letter regarding this funding level, which is being circulated by Representatives Moore (D-WI) and Davis (R-KY).
• I would also like to see if Representative (________) will visit a local program over the spring recess to witness how critical this funding is to the people who live in (his / her) district.
• HUD's McKinney program is the primary federal funding source for local efforts to reduce homelessness and help people move back into permanent housing. Nationally, they helped reduce homelessness by 11 percent between 2005 and 2008, before the recession.
• Pick one or two local talking points that will help you make the case for more funding:
  • Tell the story of how the program ended homelessness for you or someone you know.
  • Describe the threat or impact of state and local budget cuts.
  • Detail how your community will use Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) funds to implement best practices and the need for a continued, sufficient federal investment.
  • Describe how the program will help you address the impact of the current recession.
  • State how the program impacts your community’s Ten Year Plan to end homelessness
• Last year, your boss helped Congress pass the HEARTH Act – the first time the program has been reauthorized in nearly two decades. It will provide us with more resources for important activities—particularly those that focus on preventing homelessness—but a one-time large increase in funding is needed to pay for those changes in FY 2011.
• It is critical that Congress provides a funding level of $2.4 billion for the program in order to fully implement the HEARTH Act, as well as provide our community with sufficient resources to continue making progress toward ending homelessness.
• When should I follow up with you about the letter and about getting Representative (_______) to tour a local program over the upcoming recess?