SENATE BILL: Homeless Shelter and Emergency Housing Act of 2011 (law'd)

[bgwah]

Homeless Shelter and Emergency Housing Act of 2011

In recognizing that there are many reasons for homelessness in Atlasia, and recognizing that some only need assistance in the short term while others need long term support:

1)  The Senate shall set aside $1 billion for the expansion, construction, and updating of short term emergency housing and shelters for families that unexpectedly become homeless.  Such shelters will generally house families for less than 90 days and these shelters will assist families in finding affordable housing, be it public or private.

2)  The Senate shall set aside $1 billion for the expansion, construction, and updating of homeless shelters for individuals or families that need such shelters periodically for short durations.  These shelters shall have sufficient air conditioning and heating to maintain a comfortable environment for the vulnerable and homeless in heat waves and extreme cold.  Recognizing that many chronically homeless are unlikely to find permanent housing, often by choice, the purpose of these shelters is to provide temporary shelter when they need it.

3)  The Senate shall set aside $50 million annually to assist police and fire departments in communication with local homeless prior to extreme weather events in order to encourage them to use the shelters.

4)  The Senate shall set aside $200 million annually for counseling services for families that suddenly become homeless.  These counselors shall act as a liaison for these families and assist with ensuring any children are enrolled and attending school as well as assisting the families with finding permanent housing.  They shall also help families with the psychological effects of suddenly becoming homeless.

5)  The Senate shall set aside $250 million annually to maintain and fund services for emergency housing and shelters outlined above.  This money shall be used in the purchase of food, supplies, and transportation at the shelters as well as for periodic maintenance of the facilities to keep them in good working order.

6)  Regional Housing Authorities will have priority access to the funds outlined above and may appropriate the funds as they wish, so long as they meet the guidelines above.

Sponsor: Snowguy716

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Are there any conflicts with regional government responsibilities here?

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

We could provide funds to regions to take care of this. I feel like this is something they could administer better than we could, and we would avoid any conflicts with regional laws.

[Napoleon]

See section six.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Oops

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Support, obviously.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

See section six.

Me being detail pedant me, notices that there still could be some issues - section 6 says that the regions will have 'priority' access... does that mean other parties would also have access? Would the Federal government be building any of this housing?

I'm sure that's not the intention, but it's detail that should be clarified.

[Napoleon]

See section six.

Me being detail pedant me, notices that there still could be some issues - section 6 says that the regions will have 'priority' access... does that mean other parties would also have access? Would the Federal government be building any of this housing?

I'm sure that's not the intention, but it's detail that should be clarified.

I'm sure that charities and such that deal with these matters are also eligible for funding, butt that regional housing aauthorities have priority. The federal government doesn't seem to have jurisdiction if it were any other way.

[Ban my account ffs!]

These are monies for homeless shelters and homeless support.  Regional authorities are obviously going to be the biggest recipients... but I'm pretty sure there is federal public housing just as there is also local public housing.

Section 6 seeks to give the regional authorities the biggest hunk because they can further distribute down to the local level, which is where many homeless shelters and battered womens' shelters are overseen.  Napoleon also pointed out charities/non-profits, which would also be eligible in some cases.

The point is to keep our hands untied so that the money can make it to where it's needed as quickly as possible.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

If no one wants to amend it (well, I don't want to), I call for a vote.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I want to stress that I am fully supportive of this Bill... but just wanted to get some clarification.

[bgwah]

I am bringing this to a final vote. Please vote aye, nay, or abstain.


Aye.

[Napoleon]

Aye

[CatoMinor]

Aye

[Ban my account ffs!]

Aye!

[Fuzzybigfoot]

Aye

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Aye

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Aye

[bgwah]

This has enough votes to pass. Senators have 24 hours to change their votes.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Aye FTR

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Aye

[bgwah]

With 9 ayes and 1 non-voting abstention, this bill has passed and is presented to the President for his signature.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

[Ban my account ffs!]

Danke schön, Euer Hoheit.