State budget cuts said hurting homeless

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."