Efforts continue to reduce homelessness among Arizona families
KOLD
TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) – In collaboration with other senators in the country, Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema has reintroduced a bipartisan effort to reduce homelessness in the state.
If passed, the Emergency Family Stabilization Act would create an $800 million fund to increase resources and housing for Arizona children and families experiencing homelessness. The bill was first introduced to the U.S. Senate in June 2020.
“Too many Arizona families are at risk of—or currently experiencing—homelessness during the coronavirus pandemic. Empowering community service organizations with new resources will help keep roofs over Arizonans’ heads during the current public health crisis,” said Sinema.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, supporters of the bill are trying to get it included in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. The act has also been introduced in the state of Kentucky.
The funds would be awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services, which would then be dispursed to enable local agencies and organizations to assist in providing housing-related and other services to children, youth and families as early as possible.
The alliance says approval would greatly help in reducing transmission of the coronavirus and help prevent the lifelong impacts of homelessness due to COVID-19.