Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Combat Homelessness Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights -

United States House of Representatives lawmakers John Yarmuth, Don Bacon, Danny K. Davis, and Don Young have introduced comprehensive bipartisan legislation aimed at providing $2 billion in flexible funding for community-based organizations to address homelessness among children, youth, and families during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Family Stabilization Act (EFSA) seeks to create a new emergency funding stream overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The measure complements Senate legislation introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski, Joe Manchin, and Kyrsten Sinema.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Emergency Family Stabilization Act (EFSA) would allocate $2 billion in flexible funding for community-based organizations to combat homelessness among children, youth, and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The legislation creates a new emergency funding stream through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to provide funding for local agencies with experience in serving homeless populations.
  • The measure ensures that local agencies, including faith-based and culturally-specific organizations, would be eligible to receive funds to meet the unique needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness.
  • The EFSA provides funding for a wide range of needs, including housing, health, education, employment, training, and safety-related services.
  • The bill provides set-aside funding for tribes and urban, rural, and suburban areas, as well as ensures that at least one agency in each state receives a grant.

Statistics:

  • $2 billion in flexible funding would be allocated to combat homelessness among children, youth, and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The legislation creates a new emergency funding stream to provide support to local agencies with experience in serving homeless populations.

Sources:

  • Titled "Representatives Yarmuth, Bacon, Davis, and Young Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Homelessness Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic," a release from the United States House of Representatives -- Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-03).