Advocate to Restore HSDF $ to Budget
LEND YOUR VOICE IN ADVOCACY OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES OF YORK COUNTY.
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS (click here for a list) TODAY TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO RECONSIDER THE LINE ITEM CUT OF ALL FUNDING TO THE HUMAN SERVICES DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR 2011-2012.
[Following is a sample to be used as a guide to craft your own correspondence.]
Dear ,
As a concerned citizen of the Commonwealth, I urge you to reconsider the line item cut to the Human Services Development Fund in the 2011-2012 state budget. Please restore the full $23.8 million 2010 appropriation to help individuals and families struggling with poverty and homelessness in Pennsylvania who rely on the agencies who receive these funds.
In a specific plea of support for York County residents served through Bell Family Shelter and Bell Bridge Transitional Housing programs, please note the following:
Programs and services that would be lost include:
- Affordable housing with program services for a maximum of one year
- Individualized caseworker for each family
- Support services and activities for children, families and adults
- Budget counseling that encourages credit repair, debt payments, and savings
- Educational workshops on a variety of mental health and life skills subject matters
- Staff support and assistance with achieving goals
- Referral services to other community agencies
For the fiscal year 2009/2010 Bell shelter services provided 9,128 shelter nights for children, adults and families, 90% of who exited the program with viable permanent housing and received after-care services to assist with maintaining permanent housing.
Currently Bell shelter services also provides for special-need populations including mentally ill, elderly, disabled, veterans, HIV& Aids.
Outcomes are measured to gauge how well the program is working by collecting population and programmatic demographics which are shared with the Department of Human Services, who strictly monitors the program to ensure it is viable and producing favorable outcomes as outlined in the HAP agreement.
Thank you for your efforts in support of Pennsylvania individuals and families challenged by poverty and homelessness.
Sincerely,