Posted: | January 29, 2021 01:33 PM |
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From: | Representative Peter Schweyer |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Protecting Homeless Pennsylvanians During a Pandemic |
For many, the mitigation orders issued in our state throughout the pandemic have brought feelings of isolation, fear, and anxiety. However, for the 15,000 homeless Pennsylvanians, such uncertainty was magnified by the absence of refuge or protection that can be found in safe and reliable housing. Regardless of whether an individual has a place to call home, all residents of the state should be extended the same protections in order to reach our collective goal of beating COVID-19. Despite relief initiatives at both the state and national level, specific funding for protections and accommodations for individuals struggling with homelessness is still undefined. This population is often left behind under normal circumstances – a pattern we cannot afford to continue as we experience an ongoing worldwide pandemic. My proposed legislation would specifically allocate funding to support non-profit organizations and county/municipal governments to provide community-based services to homeless Pennsylvanians. Please join me in supporting this action to ensure we are providing comprehensive relief to all Pennsylvanians. Together, we can offer the most basic human necessities as we all continue to weather this unprecedented public health crisis. |
Introduced as HB653