Funding for Homeless Sees Shortfall in New D.C. Budget

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Funds for District homeless services would see a $7 million reduction under a newly released city budget for fiscal year 2013.

The cut in funding for homeless shelters and transitional housing reflects just part of a loss of  more than $21.6 million in federal funding for employment services, community development and  family services that could not be made up with local money, according to D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray.

“We are unable to fund all the needs that there are,” said Gray in a March 23 press conference held to announce his spending plan. “We wish there was more that could be done.”

Gray acknowledged the growth of family homelessness in the city and the need to continue to pay for
emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing and other homeless programs. He said city officials were “deeply concerned” about the loss of funds for homeless services. Restoration of the homeless funding topped a wish list of priorities included in the Mayor’s budget.

“In the short term, we are hoping additional revenue will come through the door in the next
several months,” said Gray.

A preliminary analysis by the DC Fiscal Policy Institute concluded that a $7 million shortfall in funding for homeless services would heavily impact programs. “As proposed, the budget does not provide adequate funding to operate the shelter for homeless families at (the former) DC General (Hospital), or provide sufficient transitional housing subsidies to move families out of shelter,” the analysis found.

As written, the $9.4 billion budget would close an anticipated $172.1 mil- lion gap between city revenues and expenses without raising new taxes or adding new fees, according to the mayor. Local dollars were used to partially replace $43.6 million in federal funds lost in other areas including police, welfare, workforce and mental health programs.

The budget will now be submitted to public hearings and consideration by the city council. Final approval is expected by May 15.


Issues |Civil Rights|Political commentary


Region |Washington DC

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