DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Mayor Vincent C. Grays Human Services Budget Passed

An open letter to the community from Department of Human Services Director David Berns
The passage of the Mayors budget for Human Services is a big win for those receiving TANF and/or homeless services in the District. This bold, consolidated effort between the Mayor, the DC Council, and our community partners provides enduring solutions for those we serve. Thus, when the Council of the District of Columbia passed the Mayors budget yesterday, they greatly enhanced supports and services for low-income and homeless individuals and families. The budget contains an additional $7 million for homeless services in fiscal year 2014. This funding includes an additional $1 million for homeless youth, and most of the rest is targeted to services for homeless families. The budget also significantly increases and improves the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF funding is increased by $25 million for employment, training, case management, transportation, and other supports to move families to self-sufficiency. While the enhancements to the TANF program are critical, we know that when children are raised in poverty, their opportunities to achieve in school, and develop into healthy, successful adults are greatly reduced. No child deserves to live in poverty, so TANF is not good enough. The legislation also provides exemptions to the time limits for victims of domestic violence; those in approved employment and training programs, and others who need additional time or support to be successful. The increased funding for TANF is an acknowledgement of the urgency we and our customers face while helping them move forward within the federally mandated time limit. Additionally, six amendments to the Homeless Services Reform Act (HSRA) proposed by Mayor Gray were passed with language that met the Mayors objectives. One amendment, which centers on Rapid Rehousing, will allow us to improve supports for families and individuals in shelter so that we can move them to stable housing as quickly as possible. Another amendment acknowledges the ability of homeless individuals and families to establish savings accounts as a resource to exit shelter and move toward selfsufficiency. Unfortunately, the amendment related to provisional shelter, was not adopted by the City Council. This critical amendment allowed the targeting of resources to those most in need, by diverting those who may have other housing options. Nevertheless, we will continue to develop ways to divert families from shelter into sustainable housing, and reconnect them with community support. On behalf of the Department of Human Services, I would like to thank Mayor Vincent C. Gray, and the Council of the District of Columbia, for their leadership in passing legislation that will allow our agency to better serve the most vulnerable citizens of the District of Columbia. Sincerely,

David A. Berns, Director