June 18th is an historic day with two significant announcements that demonstrate the holistic approaches and foresighted leadership of the Obama administration and Washington's Congressional delegation:

New Leadership in Ending Homelessness - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis were elected today as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness. The mission of the Council is to coordinate the federal response to homelessness and to create a national partnership with every level of government and the private sector to address homelessness in the nation.

"It is simply unacceptable for individuals, children, families, and our nation's veterans to be faced with homelessness in this country," said President Obama. "I am confident that the Interagency Council on Homelessness, under Secretary Donovan's leadership, will have a renewed focus on coordinating efforts across federal agencies and working closely with our state, local, community-based, and faith-based partners to address these serious issues."

"Ending the continuing tragedy of homelessness demands thoughtful and focused leadership," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "...The bottom line is that through our combined efforts every man, woman and child in this nation should have access to a safe, affordable place to lay their head at night."

Committing New Resources to Assist Homeless Veterans and Their Families - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki and HUD Secretary Donovan announced today the allocation of $75 million to local public housing authorities to provide permanent supportive housing and dedicated VA case managers for an estimated 10,000 homeless veterans.

Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee - whose ongoing leadership and support for this collaboration has been essential to its success - asserted that "For too long homeless veterans have been forgotten heroes. With new service members returning home every day and the economy sputtering, we must step up our efforts to provide all veterans with housing and the dignity that comes with it. HUD-VASH grants are making a real difference in ensuring that those who have sacrificed for our nation are not coming home to sleep on our streets."

Secretary Eric Shinseki noted that the "Council's work is critical to providing for those at risk and on the streets. This interagency partnership allows us to leverage our resources, programs, talent and experience to create viable solutions that will eliminate homelessness."

HUD will provide housing assistance through its Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), which allows veterans and their families to rent privately owned housing. The VA will provide to eligible homeless veterans clinical and supportive services through its health care system.

Building Changes applauds the Secretaries and Senator Murray for their sincere and continued commitment to partnering with government and community-based agencies to find lasting solutions to homelessness for all Washingtonians. Building Changes believes that everyone should have the opportunity for a decent home, a healthy life and a good job. Thanks again for your great work!