Congressional Homelessness Caucus hosts briefing on violence against the homeless

Congressional Homelessness Caucus hosts briefing on violence against the homeless  

      WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Homeless Caucus, Reps. Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) and Eddie Bernice Johnson, in conjunction with the office of Congressman John Conyers (D-MI), hosted an important briefing on violence against the homeless.

“Thankfully, we have seen a decrease in the number of homeless Americans in recent years,” said Hastings. “However, those facing homelessness still face real threats from violence. My home state of Florida has long been at the top of the list of states where violence against the homeless remains a significant problem, and that needs to change. As a nation, we must do more to protect the homeless population and to foster an environment where the most disadvantaged amongst us can break the cycle of homelessness.””

Violence against homeless individuals is a problem that has no boundaries.  It is a threat to our homeless men, women, and children of all backgrounds,” said Johnson. “Until we have a sound understanding of the scope and nature of the problem, we will remain unable to develop targeted solutions or draft comprehensive reform. Today’s briefing is a solid step towards increased awareness of the problem. We must continue to take deliberate steps toward ending violence against our homeless population.””

It is unthinkable that more than a million people struggle with the scourge of homelessness in the world’s most prosperous nation,” added Conyers. “Even more unacceptable is the trend of violence against the