Abionyx Pharma : Rep. Stivers Joins Secretary Carson, Governor DeWine to Shine Light on Youth Homelessness

COLUMBUS - Today, Representative Steve Stivers joined Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson and Governor Mike DeWine on a tour of Huckleberry House in Columbus, Ohio to highlight the ongoing problem of youth homelessness.

As Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance, Representative Stivers is committed to combatting homelessness, particularly among youth. He has been a leader on the issue, championing bills such as the Homeless Children and Youth Act, the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act, and programs like the Family Unification Program.

'Young people need a solid foundation to succeed, and that starts with having a roof over their head and a safe place to call home,' Stivers said. 'Through many visits over the years, I've seen firsthand the hard work of dedicated individuals at Huckleberry House, and I will continue to work with folks like Secretary Carson and Governor DeWine to support their efforts and make sure that they have the resources they need to care for the youth in our communities.'

At the tour, HUD announced an award of nearly $2.2 billion to support thousands of local homeless programs and services across the country. Ohio alone was awarded nearly $107 million in grants, through HUD's Continuum of Care program. Continuum of Care provides support and resources for recipients who work directly to combat homelessness, like Huckleberry House, which is receiving over $230,000 of Continuum of Care funding. In particular, the grants are used to support programs that assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, who are located in shelters, or who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

'It was great to tour Huckleberry House today alongside Governor DeWine and Representative Stivers to see the important work that Continuum of Care grant recipients are doing here in Franklin County,' said Secretary Carson. 'I have always found that the best results are achieved when state, local, and federal partners work together with a shared sense of duty to help our country's most vulnerable citizens. At HUD, we are committed to empowering local communities and their leaders with the tools they need to help individuals, youth, and families experiencing homelessness.'

Representative Stivers supported funding for the Continuum of Care Program during the appropriations process, voting in favor of the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development package.

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