Rule Tweaks Could Mean Big Boost For Homeless Kids In NJ, Rep. Mikie Sherrill Says – Patch.com

NEW JERSEY — There could be a simple way to prevent thousands of children from falling through the cracks of the national social safety net. And all it would take is a few “common-sense” tweaks to the definition of what it means to be “homeless,” a U.S. congresswoman from New Jersey says.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democratic Party member who represents the state’s 11th congressional district, recently introduced the Homeless Children and Youth Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Van Taylor, a Republican from Texas who has been an ardent critic of President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” spending plan.

Sherrill said the proposed law would make changes to the definition of “homelessness” across federal agencies. This will pay off with better access to services and assistance for children, youth and families across the nation – including her home district, which spans Essex, Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties.

Here’s the current problem, according to a statement from the congresswoman:

“Childhood and youth homelessness was an epidemic in America even before the pandemic swept through and exacerbated it. Preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Education indicate that public schools identified over 1.5 million homeless children and youth in the 2017-2018 school year, a 10 percent increase over the previous school year, and the highest number on record. Over 80 percent of these students fall between the gaps of federal definitions of homelessness: they are considered homeless by public schools, early childhood programs, institutions of higher education, and child care, but not by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As a result, these children and their families, as well as youth who are homeless on their own, are not eligible to be assessed for HUD homeless assistance – no matter how vulnerable they are.”

If it becomes law, the Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2021 would align the HUD’s definitions for homeless individuals and homeless children or youth with other federal assistance programs – something that’s been long overdue, Sherrill said.

“Every child deserves a safe and consistent place to call home,” she urged, appearing at a news conference in Morris County last week to push the proposed bill.

The Homeless Children and Youth Act could also make a big difference for local housing advocates and homelessness prevention groups across the 11th district, she added.

Several of them praised the bill at last week’s news conference.

Joann Bjornson, CEO Family Promise Morris County – “The Homeless Children and Youth act, known as HCYA, does several important things – it allows communities to decide how to spend federal dollars so it makes sense for them; changes the definition of homelessness, so all groups experiencing homelessness have equal access to resources; and addresses glaring systemic inequities for families and youth of color who continue to be disproportionately affected by housing insecurity.”

Diane Williams, president and CEO of JBWS – “Domestic violence is the leading cause of family homelessness and national estimates are that 80% of homeless mothers with children have previously experienced domestic violence. Communities, Morris County included, need to be able to use HUD funding more flexibly, effectively, and appropriately to meet the needs of children, youth, and families. HCYA requires HUD to score applications, such as ones for transitional housing, primarily on whether they are cost effective in meeting the priorities and goals that communities identify in their local plans rather than applying a cookie cutter approach to the issue.”

Kevin Ryan, president and CEO of Covenant House – “We thank Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Van Taylor and the Senate champions for leading the effort to align HUD’s definition of homelessness with definitions used by other federal programs, so our most vulnerable youth are not excluded.”

Darla Bardine, executive director of the National Network for Youth – “Compounded by the pandemic, too many young people- especially youth of color, LGBTQ+ youth and those who are transitioning from our nation’s foster care system- face unfathomable choices which result in leaving their homes, living on the streets, and experiencing lifelong trauma. We can and must do better for all young people and especially for those who are most at risk of experiencing homelessness.”

Barbara Duffield, executive director of SchoolHouse Connection – “Now more than ever, HUD homeless assistance must be reformed to reflect how children and youth experience homelessness. Their homelessness is more hidden, but it is not less harmful. Bringing HUD in line with federal early care and education programs will remove barriers to assistance, and help communities leverage all available resources to stabilize some of our nation’s most vulnerable children, youth and families.”

Dan McGuire, CEO of Homeless Solutions Inc. – “Homeless Solutions applauds Congresswoman Sherrill for her leadership in introducing HCYA in the current legislative session. The legislation will help align definitions of homelessness across federal agencies to ensure that all homeless children and families are properly accounted for. Significantly, [the bill] eschews HUD’s more prescriptive, one-size-fits-all approach to homelessness, and empowers communities to encourage innovation and support proven models of success in addressing local needs.”

Sherrill said that people facing a housing crisis can contact the New Jersey Homeless Hotline at 2-1-1, or visit https://www.nj.gov/njhrc/ to find immediate resources.

In September, Monarch Housing Associates released the results of their annual Point-in-Time count of homeless residents in New Jersey. The 2021 survey, which was carried out on Jan. 26, counted 8,097 men, women and children across the state.

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