SB 105-13: Hubert H. Humphrey Helping Hand to the Homeless Act (Redraft Passed)

[Joseph Cao]

Is there a specific source for the $12,880 figure?

[Joseph Cao]

Unless Spark has something more to add or anyone else has an amendment I'll motion for a final vote.

[Joseph Cao]

Sigh.

24 hours to object.

[Joseph Cao]

Hubert H. Humphrey Helping Hand to the Homeless Act

An act in the CONGRESS of the REPUBLIC of ATLASIA

Section 1. Purpose and Background

a. WHEREAS, Runaway and homeless youth flee conflict, abuse, neglect, or, increasingly, poverty in their homes. They have become disconnected from educational systems and the workforce and do not have the skills and financial resources to live on their own. The factors impacting youth homelessness are complex and differ from those impacting other homeless populations;

b. WHEREAS, Runaway and homeless youth who live on the street are victims of physical abuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and crime in untold numbers. An estimated 300,000 youth are either victims or at risk of becoming victims of commercial and sexual exploitation each year, of which 60 percent of these victimized children are homeless; and

c. WHEREAS, Homeless youth tend to have started using drugs at a younger age, often before 15 years of age. Early drug use and abuse are predictive of serious adult addiction problems and long-term homelessness;

d. WHEREAS, Youth who "age out" of the foster care system are at an increased risk of homelessness, and represent an estimated 20 percent of the 20,000 youth who leave foster care and are currently homeless; and

e. WHEREAS, These youth are on the street because they feel there are no other options open to them; and

f. WHEREAS, Providing safe, stable, and permanent housing for runaway and homeless youth is a family, community, state, and national priority, and homeless youth are considered one of the unique populations in the homeless community.

e. WHEREAS, The future well-being of our state depends on the value we place on our youth and, in particular, on our actions to provide the most vulnerable young people in the state with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to find and maintain stable housing and to develop into healthy and productive adults;

f. WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic is being felt by youth through high unemployment rates and increased demand for youth-centered care and mental health services, technology, and access to hygiene, food, shelter, and safety;

g. WHEREAS, The number of effective programs providing services and support to runaway and homeless youth must be increased.

Section 2. Definitions/Restrictions

a. A nonprofit center is defined as an entity that is not primarily focused on accruing profit but for a charitable or equitable cause.

b. "Youth" shall be defined as a minor below the age of 18 who is in a transient state of living as reported by a family member, the community, or law enforcement.

c. A grant is defined as a sum of money allotted toward a specific purpose.

d. Grants will be categorical and subject to restrictions. Grants may only be used for services related to homelessness such as housing acquisition, food preparation, and other necessities for living.

e. Grants may not be awarded for other purposes not related to directly aiding the youth homeless population.

Section 3. Qualifications & Program Establishment

a. The Congress of the Republic of Atlasia hereby establishes grants to provide nonprofit centers across the three regions in assisting homeless citizens.

b. The grant amount shall be no less than $30,000,000 total for community centers in all regions; $10,000,000 to each region of Lincoln, Fremont, and the South. The grants are dedicated to fighting poverty stricken communities.

c. The poverty guideline shall be recognized as $12,880. Each Atlasian that is at or below this income level is eligible for the grants distributed by the nonprofit community centers.

d. This program will go into effect for the remainder of the 2021 fiscal year, with funding amounts set to be reviewed, renewed, or extended each fiscal year.

Senators, a final vote is now open on this bill. 72 hours to vote; please vote Aye, Nay, or Abstain.

[Joseph Cao]

Aye.

[Joseph Cao]

Aye.

[Joseph Cao]

By a vote of 9-1-0-8, the redraft passes and is sent to the President for his signature.

[Joseph Cao]

Hubert H. Humphrey Helping Hand to the Homeless Act

An act in the CONGRESS of the REPUBLIC of ATLASIA

Section 1. Purpose and Background

a. WHEREAS, Runaway and homeless youth flee conflict, abuse, neglect, or, increasingly, poverty in their homes. They have become disconnected from educational systems and the workforce and do not have the skills and financial resources to live on their own. The factors impacting youth homelessness are complex and differ from those impacting other homeless populations;

b. WHEREAS, Runaway and homeless youth who live on the street are victims of physical abuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and crime in untold numbers. An estimated 300,000 youth are either victims or at risk of becoming victims of commercial and sexual exploitation each year, of which 60 percent of these victimized children are homeless; and

c. WHEREAS, Homeless youth tend to have started using drugs at a younger age, often before 15 years of age. Early drug use and abuse are predictive of serious adult addiction problems and long-term homelessness;

d. WHEREAS, Youth who "age out" of the foster care system are at an increased risk of homelessness, and represent an estimated 20 percent of the 20,000 youth who leave foster care and are currently homeless; and

e. WHEREAS, These youth are on the street because they feel there are no other options open to them; and

f. WHEREAS, Providing safe, stable, and permanent housing for runaway and homeless youth is a family, community, state, and national priority, and homeless youth are considered one of the unique populations in the homeless community.

e. WHEREAS, The future well-being of our state depends on the value we place on our youth and, in particular, on our actions to provide the most vulnerable young people in the state with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to find and maintain stable housing and to develop into healthy and productive adults;

f. WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic is being felt by youth through high unemployment rates and increased demand for youth-centered care and mental health services, technology, and access to hygiene, food, shelter, and safety;

g. WHEREAS, The number of effective programs providing services and support to runaway and homeless youth must be increased

Section 2. Program establishment

a. The Congress of the Republic of Atlasia allocates $50,000,000 to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the purpose of establishing a grant program.

b. Beneficiaries must be nonprofit organizations dedicated to assisting homeless citizens.

c. Grants shall be no less than $25,000 and no more than $100,000 per year.

d. Grants must be approved upon review of applying registered nongovernmental organizations and community centers dedicated to improving poverty-stricken communities.

Passed 10-5-2-1 in the Atlasian Senate assembled,

Ishan, President pro tempore

Proposed redraft

Scott, President of the Republic of Atlasia

Passed 9-1-0-8 in the Atlasian Senate assembled,


Joseph Cao, president pro tempore