Action Item
VCEH's goal is to increase resources for homeless prevention, homeless assistance and affordable housing.  Our first step is to hold the line and maintain current funds.  Governor Kaine has already imposed cuts and it is expected that more cuts will be coming.

Please join the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, Virginia Interfaith Center on Public Policy, and the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance in a coordinated effort to:

• restore funds to critical homeless and housing programs, and

• maintain funding for housing and homeless programs, including the Homeless Intervention Program (HIP), the Shelter Support Grant (SSG), and the Child Services Coordinator Grant (CSCG), as additional budget cuts are considered.

Background
Governor Kaine, in his 2010 Reduction Plan, imposed a 10 percent cut to state funding for the Homeless Intervention Program (HIP) as well as cuts to the Shelter Improvement Grant and the Indoor Plumbing program.  VCEH acknowledges that these are difficult economic times.  However, we cannot afford cuts to critical programs that prevent Virginia's families from falling through the cracks and experiencing homelessness.

During the first weeks of January, the General Assembly holds budget hearings around the state.  It is critical to demonstrate a strong presence at these hearings to strengthen the case for maintaining support for state funded homeless and housing programs.

What We Need From You:
We need volunteers to both (a) speak on behalf of restoring funds to housing and homeless programs at one of the budget hearings, and (b) attend one of the budget hearings to demonstrate support.

Each speaker at the budget hearing has approximately three minutes.  Attached are suggested talking points for your three minutes.

What We Will Provide You:
*Talking points to ensure that we are delivering a consistent message
*Information on the budget process
*Assistance in preparing your 3 minute remarks

Please RSVP to let us know that you will participate so we can support you:
To participate, please email phyllis@vceh.org and let us know:

* The budget hearing location that you are planning to attend
* Name and contact information of person / people who will speak
* Name and contact information of person / people who will attend but not speak
* If you will forward this request to others

Budget Hearing Schedule
Thursday, January 7, 2010, 12:00 pm:
Portsmouth - Tidewater Community College, New Portsmouth Campus, "The Forum", Building A

Thursday, January 7, 2010, 12:00 pm:
Harrisonburg -- James Madison University, Grafton-Stovall Theatre

Thursday, January 7, 2010, 12:00 pm:
Blacksburg - Virginia Tech, Graduate Life Center (formerly the Donaldson-Brown Center)
 
Friday, January 8, 2010, 10:00 am:
Fairfax County - Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus (Ernst Center Theater)
 
Monday, January 11, 2010, 12:00 pm:
Richmond - General Assembly Building - House Room D

Those persons wishing to speak may register at each hearing site no earlier than one hour prior to the start of the hearing.  Arrive early!