Senator Collins and Secretary Castro Visit Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Speak with Former and Current Homeless Youth

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro visited Sasha Bruce Youthwork in Washington, D.C., today to see firsthand how communities are working to end youth homelessness.  Senator Collins and Secretary Castro share a commitment to putting an end to homelessness.

“I want to thank you all for sharing your personal stories,” Senator Collins told the residents.  “As I look into your faces, I see strength, resilience, and a can-do attitude.  There are so many people who want to help you overcome the enormous obstacles life has put in your way.  From studying for your GED to reaching out to others, your record of accomplishments demonstrate that you have what it takes to succeed.  I believe in each of you and wish you all brighter futures in the years ahead.”

According to HUD’s annual ‘Point-in-Time’ survey, over 180,000 homeless children and youth across our nation make up nearly one-third of the entire homeless population in America. More than 40,000 of these youth face the danger and despair of homelessness alone, unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. Point-in-Time figures are a one-night estimate, which do not include additional young people who may find themselves homeless at another time during the year.

This May, under Chairman Collins’ leadership, the Senate passed the bipartisan appropriations bill that provides essential funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development by a vote of 89 to 8. This overwhelmingly bipartisan bill included $2.3 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants and $40 million for grants targeted to providing comprehensive and coordinated solutions to youth homelessness.