Fighting Homelessness

For John, BLUF:  Taking care of the less well off costs money.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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One of my concerns in our society is homelessness and here is a broadsheet looking at the proposal from the Obama Administration regarding spending in Fiscal Year 2015 (the Federal Fiscal Year starts on 1 October of 2014).  This is from the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Here is the summarizing first paragraph:

President Obama's Fiscal Year 2015 Budget clearly demonstrates the high priority this Administration has for achieving to the goals of Opening Doors:  Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.  This year’s budget proposal includes more than $5.69 billion for targeted homeless assistance funding, a 12 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2014 appropriations.  This fact sheet serves as an overview of the homeless assistance programs across the government.

This is not to say I believe throwing money at the problem is sufficient.  Homeless has many causes and providing housing, which is the first step in the solution, is not sufficient.  For some jobs are enough and for others there is a requirement for medical or mental health, to include extensive case management.  For still others there is a need to develop or redevelop those life skills that keep most from being homeless.  There is no one size fits all.

Regards  —  Cliff