Shelter for the homeless at risk with new legislation

B18-1059, "Homeless Services Reform Amendment Act of 2010" would require individuals and families to prove their DC residency before they can access emergency shelter or other homeless services this winter.   The bill would also do away with health and safety protections in the law for families by legalizing communal family shelters.   The bottom line?   If passed, this legislation can have devastating consequences for DC residents seeking emergency services this winter.   (Updated 11/8 am) For more about the problems with this legislation, take a look at this fact sheet from Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless.

Oppose the bill November 8 at 11:30 am in the JAWB during the Committee on Human Services (Ward 6 CM Tommy Wells, chair) public hearing.   Register to testify or attend; details are in the hearing notice.