Statewide Advocacy

Florida’s Homeless Assistance programs are not entitlement programs, but rather temporary help to Floridians experiencing difficulty to get them back on their feet.

The state’s homeless programs – whether they are prevention, temporary shelter, supportive services or rehousing – are for the safety of Floridians that support our communities and overall economy.  In fact, The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports “one of the most effective ways to help the economy — and thereby to create and preserve jobs — is to target financial assistance on low- and moderate-income households, since they are more likely to spend rather than save any increase in income.”

Read the full issue brief

KEY ISSUE:  FUNDING FOR STATE HOMELESS PROGRAMS

ALL state homeless programs have been proposed to be COMPLETELY CUT from the state’s budget.  In Hillsborough County, our community would lose as much as $862,600 dollars to help our homeless neighbors.

1.     Challenge Grant, which funds local services that are included in the local homeless continuum of care plan.  Current budget for the program is $2,031,354, which funded all 28 continuums in 2010-11.  In 2009-10, the program served 49,963 persons.

2.     Local homeless coalition staffing grants.  This year the $345,729 provided $12,600 per coalition/continuum to support a staff position.  The 28 coalitions generate approximately $80 million of grants statewide.

3.     Office on Homelessness, its 2 positions, and funding for the Council on Homelessness.  The current funding level is $436,353.

4.     Homeless Housing Assistance Grant. This year's $3,000,000 assisted 6 local projects to create 348 units of housing for the homeless.

In addition, our lawmakers and Governor are proposing to repeal legislation relating to these programs – Challenge Grant, Homeless Housing Assistance Grants and local Coalition Staffing Grants.  If passed, these programs would end on July 1, 2011.

Support Homeless Budget Issue Brief

KEY HOMELESSNESS BILLS:

Homelessness Bill HB 131 - Reed                        SB 948 – Hill

• Creates a homeless prevention grant program to provide emergency financial assistance to families facing the loss of their current home due to financial or other crisis.
• Repeals the Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP)
• Creates a Voluntary Contribution Option for Homelessness Relief on DMV Forms that would be a new revenue source to help fund homeless services and creates an easy way for Floridians to help their homeless and near homeless neighbors.

Employment of the Homeless HB 107 – Berman                        SB 266 – Ring

• provides a tax credit to corporations hiring a homeless person who resides in transitional, permanent supportive, or permanent housing facility

Affordable Housing Bill HB 639 – Aubuchon                        SB 912 - Bennett

• Provides for a set-a-side of FHFC funding for special needs tenant group (includes persons who are homeless, have a disabling condition, young adults formerly in foster care, survivors of domestic violence and persons receiving SSDI, SSI and VA disability benefits)
• Revises allocation of certain proceeds distributed from excise tax credited to the State Housing Trust Fund
• Authorizes the inclusion of affordable housing for seniors in local comprehensive plans

Key bills issue brief

For more information about these policy and funding priorities, contact Rayme L. Nuckles at (813) 404-7514 (c) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .