Is Assistance Available?
Federal relief efforts are assisting the most vulnerable Americans. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020 and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP Act) of 2021 provide resources to help prevent homelessness and house the homeless. Emergency Housing Choice Vouchers and rental assistance are important sources of support.
Rental assistance and Emergency Housing Choice Vouchers are important additions to a long list of valuable forms of assistance.
There are no guarantees, however, that the aid will be directed in ways that will help address the negative trends that were already emerging prior to the pandemic. States, localities, and Continuums of Care must guarantee that funds reach those most in need: the homeless.
It is the responsibility of states, communities, and Continuums of Care to ensure that this money reaches the people who need it the most: those who are currently homeless.
There are still significant unknowns: Will vouchers actually reach those who are homeless? Will rental assistance benefit those who are most likely to end up in shelters or in unsheltered locations? Will individuals (particularly those who are not veterans, chronically ill, or young) be meaningfully included in the recovery?They are overwhelmingly composed of men and people of color. Will the various decision-makers in charge of these resources abandon them as they have in the past?
There is a lot of work to be done and GAFI is doing thier part.
Foundation In, G. A. (2021, October 30). TCU Ministries Homeless Project | Leadership | Grace Amazing Foundation In. Grace Amazing Foundation In. https://graceamazing.tithelysetup8.com/news/tcu-ministries-homeless-project.