A bipartisan effort is making its way through Congress in an attempt to aid community-based organizations who seek to slow the impacts of homelessness in America. Senator Lisa Murkowski has joined Joe Manchin, Democrat of West Virginia, and Krysten Sinema, Republican of Arizona, to introduce the Emergency Family Stabilization Act.
The bill aims to create a grant program, providing funding for organizations who fight on behalf of families, youth, and children who are experiencing homelessness. Emergency funding would be provided to underserved populations, including rural and tribal communities.
Senator Murkowski said in a press release: “Prior to COVID-19, addressing youth and family homelessness in Alaska was a significant challenge. Now, with the added difficulties of the pandemic, more and more families are facing homelessness and shelters across the state are struggling with significant financial strain. At a time with so much uncertainty, children and families shouldn’t have the added concerns of not knowing if they will have a warm, safe place to sleep. This legislation is an opportunity to protect underserved, vulnerable populations that otherwise have nowhere else to turn.”
A full data sheet about the legislation can be found below:
02.07.21 - 117th Congress - EFSA Fact Sheet