Homeless funding just isn't enough [View all]
And a big kudos to Kerry to care about POOR people. Unfortunately, this is an issue that has disappeared from the Democratic speech, probably because they do not vote and do not give political contribution, but, if Democrats (and independent like Sanders) do not advocate for them, who will?
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/ci_19605958
The four homeless shelters in the Berkshires secured another year of federal funding this week -- a relief to advocates, but also a time to reconcile the fact that no additional money will bolster the busy shelters operating budgets.
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Nonetheless, the arrangement doesnt work for the many homeless individuals and families who, Gage said, need a great deal of help that round-the-clock shelter staff provide. Shelters in the Berkshires havent seen a budget increase from HUD in years.
In a statement to The Eagle, U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., underscored the importance of maintaining the shelter funding that is, at the same time, insufficient.
"The grant money weve recently hauled in will help at a time when were expecting a horrendous winter and we need to bring the homeless population inside from the cold," Kerry said. "Its a matter of life or death. Well take every penny we can get. But its not enough. Our shelters are really feeling the pressure."
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In his statement, Sen. Kerry indicated that he would gladly eliminate "waste" in the U.S. budget to free up funds for homelessness, but that congressional disagreements are making even the extension of tax cuts a battle.
"The gridlock is toxic, but especially this time of year youd like to believe that homelessness isnt a partisan issue," Kerry said. "I still want to believe government still has a heart for the least among us, and when youve got homeless veterans and homeless kids, I have to believe we can do a lot better."