DeLauro Presses For Release Of State Funds For Supportive Housing

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DeLauro Presses For Release Of State Funds For Supportive Housing

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) wrote to Governor M. Jodi Rell urging the release of funding for supportive housing construction under Connecticut's Next Steps Initiative. Failure to release the funds would stall the construction of 150 units of supportive housing that received funding commitments two years ago and would have served approximately 200 individuals, including children and their parents, veterans and people with disabilities.

"I am concerned that any delay in the next round of funding will threaten site control and financing of the projects, potentially derailing this significant effort and jeopardizing the opportunity to provide supportive shelter to some of Connecticut's most vulnerable residents. The economic downturn has increased the need for adequate supportive housing, and the lack of it will have a severe impact on people with disabilities, families and veterans," DeLauro writes in the letter. "I would respectfully urge that you release the funds for Round III of the Next Steps Initiative and allow this valuable project to move forward.

Recognizing the budget challenges the state faces, DeLauro adds in the letter, "Like you, I am painfully aware of the effect this economic recession is having on the state budget and Connecticut residents, and I stand with you in seeking financial relief for states, such as increased Medicaid and infrastructure project funding. As you know, I have also fought for significant federal funding of supportive housing projects, which has helped to support several such projects in Connecticut."

Below is the text of the letter.

December 22, 2008

The Honorable M. Jodi Rell, Governor

State Capitol

210 Capitol Ave.

Hartford, CT 06106

Dear Governor Rell:

I am writing regarding the third round of supportive housing construction funding under Connecticut's Next Steps Initiative. It is my understanding that due to budget concerns, the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM) has indicated they intend to delay announcements of the decisions on Round III of the Next Steps Funding. This means that after 15 years of investments by public and private sectors in supportive housing in Connecticut, the construction of 150 units of supportive housing that received funding commitments two years ago has stalled. These supportive housing developments are "shovel-ready" and poised to move forward following almost a year and a half and nearly $5 million of private investment in predevelopment work: obtaining site control, environmental assessments, initial design work and garnering community support. I am concerned that any delay in the next round of funding will threaten site control and financing of the projects, potentially derailing this significant effort and jeopardizing the opportunity to provide supportive shelter to some of Connecticut's most vulnerable residents.

The economic downturn has increased the need for adequate supportive housing, and the lack of it will have a severe impact on people with disabilities, families and veterans. Family homelessness in Connecticut rose 13% last year and is expected to rise even more because of a severe shortage of affordable and supportive housing and a very tight rental market. Supportive housing is a proven way to help prevent and mitigate homelessness. In addition to the clear human benefits, studies have indicated that supportive housing is a cost-effective use of taxpayer funds to reduce the need for other publicly funded health and human services. Finally, at a time when jobs creation and economic recovery are the top priority, investing in "shovel ready" construction projects is a smart investment in creating and preserving jobs.

Like you, I am painfully aware of the effect this economic recession is having on the state budget and Connecticut residents, and I stand with you in seeking financial relief for states, such as increased Medicaid and infrastructure project funding. As you know, I have also fought for significant federal funding of supportive housing projects, which has helped to support several such projects in Connecticut.

For all these reasons, I would respectfully urge that you release the funds for Round III of the Next Steps Initiative and allow this valuable project to move forward.

Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration of this matter.

Sincerely yours,

Rosa L. DeLauro

Member of Congress

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