Homeless Individuals, Service Providers Lobby State House for Increased Funding
Homeless individuals and homelessness service providers lobbied Wednesday inside the state house for more homelessness funding in the face of proposed budget cuts.
The outreach was part of the Coalition for Homeless Individuals’ Legislative Lobby Day to increase funding for emergency shelters, medical care providers and workforce training groups in the Commonwealth.
The Coalition is calling for a $5.5 million increase in state funding to homelessness services. Governor Charlie Baker’s proposed budget for the 2016 fiscal year currently shows a $2.1 million cut in funding for the homeless individuals line item, according to the Coalition.
That line item has been effectively stagnant since 2001, according to Karen LaFrazia, the executive director of St. Francis House, who was at the state house with about 25 homeless people from her shelter.
The Commonwealth’s system for combating homelessness separates into two groups: individuals and families. LaFrazia said there’s been consistent funding for family services—as there should be, she added—but in doing so, less attention has been paid to the individual men and women who need support. Individual services have been operating with an essentially 12 percent decrease in funding when adjusted for inflation, she said.
“The challenge with that is that there’s certainly been an increased demand for our services in the past 14 years,’’ LaFrazia said. “If you don’t see an increase for 14 years, it becomes increasingly difficult to be proactive and innovative.’’
The harsh winter that dropped over 100 inches of snow strained already tight city resources after the Long Island Shelter closed in October. During the worst nights for shelters—February 15 through 18—the Boston Public Health Commission sheltered an average of 755 people, though they only received funding for 680 beds, according to the Coalition’s statement.
“This winter really exposed the cracks and the fragility of the service system,’’ LaFrazia said.
LaFrazia clarified that homeless services providers do two things: They take care of people in the moment and help move people beyond homelessness. When resources were stretched thin this winter, it took focus away from efforts to place homeless individuals into jobs and housing. There was an increase focus to provide basic necessities to homeless individuals day to day.
“The event today at the state house was so important because [the homeless individuals] felt so proud to go and be able to tell their stories,’’ LaFrazia said. “They were using their voices to make a difference.’’
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com