In introductory remarks, committee member Tina Smith (D-MN) outlined the urgency of this moment and the need for this hearing, so that Members of Congress can make strategic and informed decisions on what steps they can take to address the crisis:
“Without a safe, decent, affordable place to live, nothing in your life works. It is nearly impossible to maintain a job, go to school, or stay healthy.”
“The challenge — finding and keeping a safe affordable place to live — is real in every part [of the country]: urban, suburban, and rural. It affects everyone. However, homelessness also disproportionately affects some communities more than others, including Black, Latino, and Native communities.”
Alliance CEO, Ann Oliva, provided witness testimony for the hearing. She was accompanied by Kathryn Monet, Chief Executive Officer, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans; Cathy ten Broeke, Assistant Commissioner and Executive Director, Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness (MICH); Isabel McDevitt, Co-Founder And Board President, Work Works America; and Jamie Kirsch, Board Member, Journey On.
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Opportunities and Challenges in Addressing Homelessness |