In our efforts to ensure that our network of supporters, youth, and youth serving organizations & advocates are up to date with the latest statewide and federal policy and legislation we wanted to share with you the latest information regarding the Emergency Family Stabilization Act introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
We hope that you, your families, and your colleagues are staying safe during these challenging times. For any questions about how CCY is doing during the COVID-19 Pandemic, or for any questions about this email, please reach out to CCY's Executive Director, Jevon Wilkes, at Jevon@calyouth.org.
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$2 Billion in Flexible Funding for Homeless Children, Youth, and Families: Bipartisan Bill Introduced in House |
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This past Friday, August 7, U.S. Representatives John Yarmuth (D-KY), Don Bacon (R-NE), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), and Don Young (R-AK) introduced the bipartisan Emergency Family Stabilization Act, H.R. 7950 (EFSA). This legislation provides flexible funding directly to community-based organizations to meet the needs of children, families, and unaccompanied youth who are experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds may be used for a wide range of housing, health, education, and safety-related activities.
The House bill introduced today is the companion bill to S. 3923, introduced in the U.S. Senate on June 10 by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Susan Collins (R-ME).
The House version of EFSA contains the following additions:
- Provides $2 billion in flexible funding directly to community agencies (including local educational agencies) to respond to the emergency needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness in the wake of the coronavirus, using the broader definition of homelessness. (The Senate bill provides $800 million.)
- Ensures that at least one agency in each state receives a grant.
- Provides that in awarding grants, special consideration is given to meeting the needs of pregnant women, pregnant and parenting youth, children under age 6, children with disabilities, families experiencing domestic violence, survivors of sexual assault or human trafficking, LGBTQIA individuals, and racial and ethnic minority populations.
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Requires the agency that administers the funds - the Administration of Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) -- to submit a Report to Congress summarizing data gathered from grantees.
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Children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness have been largely left out of previous coronavirus legislation - yet they are at high risk of transmission, illness, and other harms. EFSA fills the gap by providing flexible emergency funding to the agencies that are closest to children, youth, and families. Helping children, youth, and families through the systems to which they are most connected will stabilize them quicker and more effectively, and prevent long-term homelessness. |
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Please take action today to ensure that prolonged child and youth homelessness does not result from the coronavirus pandemic.
1) Tell your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives to insist that the Emergency Family Stabilization Act be included in the next coronavirus relief package. Find your US Representatives Here: house.gov/FindYourRep
- NOTE: If you have existing relationships with your Member of Congress or their staff, please reach out directly.
2) Endorse the legislation (local, state, or national organizations) by completing this sign-on form.
3) Share on Social Media (see below)
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Children, youth, & families experiencing #homelessness have been largely left out of previous #COVID19 legislation. This bill fills the gap and provides funding through systems to which families are most connected with.
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Thank you @RepJohnYarmuth, @RepDonBacon, @RepDannyDavis, & @RepDonYoung for introducing the House version of the Emergency Family Stabilization Act. This bill provides $2B in flexible funding for #homeless children, youth, families.
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The Emergency Family Stabilization Act includes set-asides for tribes, urban, rural, and suburban areas. Funds may be used for housing, health, education, and safety-related activities. This bill will help prevent long-term #homelessness.
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Tell your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives to insist that the Emergency Family Stabilization Act be included in the next #coronavirus relief package.
1. Fill out an easy form
2. Endorse this legislation
3. Share on social media
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