United States Feinstein Tender

Senators Dianne Feinstein D-Calif. and Lisa Murkowski R-Alaska and Representatives Ted Lieu D-Calif. and Steve Stivers R-Ohio introduced the Fighting Homelessness Through Services and Housing Act a bill to increase federal resources to battle homelessness. Specifically the bill authorizes 750 million in grants annually for the next five years for local governments to combat homelessness.As a way to address the root causes of homelessness this legislation for the first time would condition federal funds on a grant recipients ability to provide not only housing but also comprehensive services like mental health care substance abuse treatment and job training. Grant recipients would be required to provide 25 percent of project funds and report on measures of success including whether individuals remain housed.Homelessness has reached crisis levels in California and continues to grow nationwide. While our state is a model for the country in so many ways homelessness is one area where we can and must do better said Senator Feinstein. We know the root causes of homelessness vary and can include mental illness drug addiction and poverty. Thats why our bill requires housing to be paired with services to address those root causes. Local governments particularly those in California are already taking action to combat homelessness this bill will help them be even more proactive and effective in their efforts.Homelessness is frequently a symptom of a deeper problem. People who struggle with mental health issues addiction problems or economic challenges can end up homeless. Alaskas harsh environment is an unforgiving place for those who do. And the issue of homelessness is further complicated by many of the challenges Alaska is facing as a state a lack of mental healthcare services a statewide substance abuse epidemic and the highest unemployment rate in the nation said Senator Murkowski. This legislation will help communities coordinate the services that help to address those underlying problems with culturally relevant services including the effects of overcrowding while taking into account each individual or a familys specific needs. Housing is the foundation of a healthy life and so we must do more to break the cycle and protect our future generations.Addressing homelessness is a moral imperative and our approach should always be compassionate and holistic. Reducing homelessness also saves money. In order to break the cycle of homelessness that impacts so many people in Los Angeles and elsewhere we have to combine housing with social services and programs said Congressman Lieu. Funding a more holistic approach helps improve the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable and provides local governments with the resources to address the specific needs of their communities. Im proud to partner with Senator Feinstein and this bipartisan bicameral group of Senators and Members who care deeply about addressing homelessness.In far too many cases homelessness is just a symptom of other issues facing the vulnerable members of our communities said Congressman Stivers. Encouraging the partnership of housing and wrap-around services to treat underlying problems like mental health or substance abuse is important in addressing the epidemic facing our country and I am proud to partner with Senators Feinstein and Murkowski and Congressman Lieu on this bill.