May 7, 2007

Contact Your Members of Congress Today In Support of Funding for Key Housing Programs

In the coming weeks, Congress will consider two proposals on funding for housing programs targeted to people with mental illness. One proposal would cut the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Section 811 program, HUD's sole program providing supportive housing for non-elderly low-income people with mental illness and other disabilities. Section 811 is a critical source of funding for new units of supportive housing. A second proposal would boost funding for homeless programs under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, including programs targeted to people with mental illness that have experienced chronic homelessness. The National Council supports efforts to restore funding for the Section 811 program and to increase funding for McKinney-Vento programs and urges all members to contact their members of Congress in support of these important programs.

Action Needed
The National Council urges all members to contact their members of Congress and ask them to oppose cuts to the Section 811 program and to support increased funding for McKinney-Vento homeless programs.

You can reach all Congressional offices by calling the Capitol Switchboard. Call 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected with the office you want.

What Should You Say?
I am calling to urge the Representative/Senator to oppose cuts to the Section 811 program and to support increased funding for McKinney-Vento homeless programs. Both of these programs provide vital supportive housing opportunities for individuals with serious mental illness.