0 More on the Mark-Up

It may sound strange, but I watched the entire mark-up hearing where the definition of homelessness was discussed. You can too, by going to this site. To save you the trouble of finding the right spot, just go to the 4:13 point. Watch it all if you have the time. It's interesting to see democracy at work.

But if you don't have time, here are my recommendations for some juicy parts:

4:30, Rep. Geoff Davis, R-KY (gotta love those Rs!) rips the “advocates” who dismiss the issue of homeless kids as not really homeless. He knows this issue firsthand. He was a homeless kid who, with his mother, doubled-up with others.

6:20, Rep. Foster, D-IL, my congressman, who RIPS me and my colleagues for our advocacy efforts. The man can’t pronounce “homelessness.” That's just the beginning of his problem on this issue. He better hope that I think better of the idea to park Tillie in front of his office so I can give him a tutorial on this issue. He didn't stick around.

6:28, Rep. Franks, D-MA—committee chair, who I think expresses sincere frustration, “close to anguish,” saying this was the hardest issue facing this committee that he can remember. He's been around a long time. I expect better of him.

6:55, Rep. Davis launches an extemporaneous tirade after sharing his experiences as a child who experienced abuse and homelessness.

Throughout the hearing only a few Representatives--I'd say 3 at the most on either side--actually stay for the hearing. Congresswoman Judy Biggert, R-IL, does and she constantly reminds the committee that kids having no place to call home is a BIG problem--one which needs solving, not surveying. She gets it.

The excuses--we don't have enough money--we don't want to tax the system--don't cut it. The committee voted for a ridiculous definition, one which will give shelter providers headaches and will ignore the real need.
But we're at the beginning of a process. My thoughts on what happened at this meeting the other day....

It was probably the most extensive, passionate debate/discussion about homeless kids that has ever occurred in those marble halls.

I'd like to think the handful of Reps who stayed for the hearing (Rep. Foster didn't stick around after spewing his frustration at the advocates...) really care about the issue of kids who need to count--kids without homes who HUD is fighting to ignore.

My disappointment with Rep. Foster for taking a nasty shot at advocates and then leaving the hearing is immense. I did call his local office and his DC office, in addition to sending faxes on this issue. I also stopped by and talked to his staff in Batavia. I carried on an email discussion with another aide. I eventually spoke with his chief of staff. To say they were "blind-sided" on this issue is bogus.

If Foster or any of the pro-dumb-definition people think that homeless families are taken care of in their districts, well, I have an RV to sell them. Use it and go out and see what's really happening.

Citing opposition from the US Conference of Mayors for expansion of the definition is like citing some gas company opposed to giving little people a break at the pump. I'd suspect few mayors really understand homelessness from a kid's point of view. And fewer are willing to forsake the piddly dollars that will be strewn among cities with nice mayors and cooperative Continuum of Care groups.

While shelter directors proclaim that their programs are taking care of the need (what HUD needs to hear), a massive gaping hole exists in those communities. Families who don't know about, don't want to go, or can't go to shelters for any number of reasons make do in motels, tents, vans, or with Aunt Shirley. The "making do" often isn't pretty, at least from the kids' standpoint.

In the meantime, HUD's abysmal "chronic homelessness" initiative is being recalibrated because IT'S NOT WORKING! And this administration, proponents of the 10-year-plan, w ill skip out of office in a few months.

As the beleaguered champion legislators and the ones who are really tired of this issue headed off in the sunset on Friday for time in their districts, they didn't get the job done for the kids who need a future that doesn't include homelessness. I'd suggest that they take their hunger, frustration, tiredness and multiply it by at least 100--that's what families and te e ns are experiencing.

For too long this country has neglected and, in fact, caused homelessness. Read this clearly written, disturbing report if you are curious.

It seems to me that we should be nurturing some outstanding young people for leadership roles. The way things are going, homelessness for families and teens will be around long enough for some astute, experienced new blood to step in and make the policy changes necessary to get families and teens off the streets and into a place of their own. I hope I live long enough for that day to arrive.

Detail: More on the Mark-Up

0 KUDOS to the champions!

It's hats-off time at HEAR US.

Today's mark-up session in Congress is the first major step in the grueling legislative process. Through the "magic" of technology you can watch/listen to the hearing (it won't be available till tomorrow but I don't want to forget to post it).

The champions, a partial roster, are those on the side of we who believe that families and teens should be considered when HUD funding is given out to local Continuum of Care groups. Among my champions:

Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL) led the charge. She listens to experts who actually talk to homeless families and teens--and to families and teens themselves. She gets it that people's lives are not in the neat boxes of "homeless" or "not homeless," and that sometimes their realities don't fit ridiculously pristine definitions thought up by Congressional staffers and their advisers.

Kathy Lydon, Judy Biggert's chief of staff, has put a lot of energy, brainpower and passion into this and other homeless children's issues. Big thanks!!

Nicole Austin, JB's legislative staff, has been astoundingly insightful on the need for changes in the current policy and law. She's been ardently on top of this from the beginning and she will not quit!

They've all been fortunate to work with my friend and colleague, the most honorable...

Barbara Duffield, policy director at the National Education for Homeless Children and Youth, who has wrangled and negotiated, twisted, turned and hung on in the insane process of hammering out a negotiation. She's amazing.

I'll share her email of today's proceedings. That will be enough fuel to stoke our fires of advocacy needed to move this issue forward apace.

From Barbara Duffield:
Legislative Update: HEARTH Passes Committee; Definition Debate Continues

BACKGROUND: Today, the House Financial Services Committee approved H.R. 840, the Homelessness Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act (HEARTH), after first adopting a substitute amendment.

Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL) and Congressman Geoff Davis (R-KY) offered an amendment to include children, youth, and families who are verified as homeless by federal program personnel (including school district liaisons, Head Start programs, Runaway and Homeless Youth Act programs) in the HUD definition of homelessness. After an intense and emotional debate, the amendment was withdrawn in an exchange for a commitment from Full Committee Chairman Frank and Housing Subcommittee Chairwoman Waters to continue working to improve the HUD definition of homelessness before the bill moves to the floor in September. The Committee leadership of both parties also agreed to send a letter to the Government Accountability Office, next week, requesting a study on expanding the HUD definition of homelessness.

NEXT STEPS: Today’s markup was an important step forward in an ongoing effort to ensure that the HUD definition of homelessness is expanded to accurately reflect the full range of people experiencing homelessness in this country. Almost the entire debate was focused on the issue of the HUD definition and the needs of children, youth, and families. While the Biggert-Davis amendment was not approved, we believe that its introduction and today’s spirited debate will result in meaningful improvements to HR 840 before it is considered on the House floor. And we are deeply grateful to Mrs. Biggert and Mr. Davis for their leadership and commitment to children, youth, and families. Thanks to everyone for the calls, faxes, and letter, and ongoing advocacy.

A more detailed summary of the legislation will be forthcoming next week, including additional provisions related to children and youth (including provisions related to education).

Today’s markup can be viewed on the web site of the Financial Services Committee at:

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/financialsvcs_dem/mu073008.shtml

**************************************

If you read this far and wonder why the above people are the champions, I'll tell you.

Issues of injustice--no shortage of big and lesser ones--if they are going to be righted, require steadfast effort when the odds are so against you that even your own mother would bet against you.

The small band of integrity-filled advocates and their legislative crusaders are working to right the terrible wrongs that occur to countless children, teens and adults who find themselves without a home, no matter what their temporary accommodations.

This fight is against those whose organizations and agencies might give the impression they are on the side of homeless families, children and teens, but whose actions speak frighteningly contrary. Their argument that the "flood" of homeless families would overwhelm the available resources falls flat.

Seems to me that we might want to issue name tags--"For Homeless Families and Teens" or "Against Homeless Families or Teens." It would be interesting to see who would be on what side.

Detail: KUDOS to the champions!