State budget cuts said hurting homeless

Published: Aug. 25, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Migrant worker sleeps on sidewalk in Beijing

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Budget cuts by U.S. states are resulting in homeless populations having more trouble getting help, advocates say.

Federal government stimulus spending will only make up a part of what's being lost on the state level, USA Today reported Tuesday.

Joel John Roberts of PATH Partners, a group that advises communities on services for the homeless, told the newspaper the budget cuts are producing "a perfect storm" of negative consequences for the homeless.

"The holes in the safety net are getting bigger," he said.

"This is the most perilous time I've seen," added Nancy Radner of the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness.

The $1.5 billion in federal stimulus spending targeted for helping low income people pay rent and utility bills to avoid becoming homeless will "plug some of the holes" created by state cuts, Cathy ten Broeke, coordinator on homelessness in Minneapolis and Hennepin County, told USA Today.

But, she said, "This economic downturn has caused us to take a few steps back. We simply can't keep up with the need."

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Hadron collider sends proton beam
UPI NewsTrack Business
Report: Hershey readies bid for Cadbury
Economists: Stimulus package helped
Census finds no shortage of job-seekers
Report: NBC's owners argue over valuation
Westwood ahead by two strokes at Dubai
fark
Duke of Northumberland, who owns Hogwarts, is not real Duke of Northumberland, alleges retired hockey...
Nearly 40% of all Americans ages 18 to 24 were enrolled in college this year, ensuring us a future...
If you stole someone's five-foot good luck distelfink, the Pennsylvania Dutch would like to speak...
Semi-nude Victoria's Secret fashion models reveal untold talents and you've already clicked the...
If police are kind enough to place your bank robbery note in front of you, you might as well eat...
Burka Barbie