Congressman Cohen Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Homelessness Task Force

“This bill renews our country’s commitment to ending homelessness in America,” said Congressman Cohen. “In Memphis, I have seen the toll that homelessness takes on individuals, families and communities, and it is absolutely essential that we redouble our efforts to deter homelessness now. My bill will strengthen the ICH and give it the resources and authority to help homeless individuals turn their lives around and change communities across the country for the better. I urge my colleagues to join me in this fight.”

This bill clarifies the mission of the ICH to 1) coordinate the federal response to homelessness; 2) to create a national partnership at every level of government and with the private sector to reduce and; 3) end homelessness in the nation while maximizing the effectiveness of the federal government in contributing to the end of homelessness.

Additionally, the legislation includes provisions that would:

• Make the ICH Director a position subject to Senate confirmation.
• Have the ICH Director reporting to the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.
• Require the ICH, within 12 months of the bill’s enactment, to create a federal plan to end homelessness for all Americans, which would be updated every two years.
• Require the ICH to develop constructive alternatives to criminalizing homelessness.
• Monitor civil rights violations against the homeless due to homeless status
• Require the ICH to evaluate the federal role in interacting and coordinating with state and local entities that address homelessness.
• Require the ICH publish a biannual report to Congress on its efforts.
• Allow reports submitted to Congress to be available for public dissemination.
• Authorize $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary through fiscal year 2015 to carry out this legislation.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 3,500,000 people are estimated to experience homelessness each year, including 400,000 veterans, 600,000 families and sadly, 1.35 million children. Unfortunately, there are about 5.99 million families nationwide who dedicate more than half of their incomes towards paying rent. These individuals are also at risk for experiencing homelessness.

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265