ADVOCATE

The Human Services Emergency Logistics Program (HELP) Act, would strengthen the 211 network by:

• • Increasing the availability, reliability, sustainability, and responsiveness of 211 services across the country.
  • Strengthening the coordination of 211, 988, and 911 services, including reducing the use of 911 for calls not related to law enforcement, fire, or medical emergencies.
  • Broadening public awareness of the 211 helpline and more efficiently connecting individuals with needed resources to meet basic needs, including homelessness and housing supports, veteran’s services, hunger, disaster response and recovery, workforce development, mental health care, caregiver supports, and domestic violence.

Please encourage your federal elected officials to fight for these key priorities, and share this action alert with colleagues far and wide!

Protect the Emergency Food & Shelter Program

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a FEMA-funded program that provides financial assistance to organizations that help individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness or hunger. EFSP supplements and expands the ongoing work of local social service organizations, both non-profit and governmental, to provide shelter, food and supportive services to individuals and families who have economic emergencies.

The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) provides federal funding to states for child care subsidies for low-income families with children under the age of 13. Over 750,000 children are enrolled in Head Start and 1.4 million children benefit from CCDBG – and many more eligible families remain unserved. The President’s FY26 Budget Request includes level funding for CCDBG and Head Start. 

Ask your Member of Congress to support the bipartisan FY26 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill that increases funding for CCDBG and Head Start, helping set up our children and their families for success in school, in work, and in life.

Enacted with bipartisan support in 2014, WIOA authorizes federal employment, workforce and training programs and formula funding to states and local governments. WIOA is the largest single source of federal funding for workforce development activities that helps communities tackle and overcome challenges facing job seekers and employers. 

Ask your Member of Congress to support the bipartisan FY26 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill that rejects the proposed consolidation in the President’s budget and maintains funding for WIOA programs. Help ensure local communities have the resources and flexibility to meet the skills development needs of workers, job seekers, and local employers. 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing assistance programs help families pay rent and connect people experiencing homelessness to housing and services for long-term stability. Homeless Assistance Grants provide the backbone of local homelessness response systems by funding the Continuum of Care and Emergency Solutions Grants programs. 

Ask your Member of Congress to at least maintain enacted funding levels for HUD’s rental and homelessness assistance programs in FY27. 

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy by making home energy costs more affordable for those with the greatest need. LIHEAP prioritizes households with the lowest incomes and the highest energy burdens, including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children.

Ask your Member of Congress to at least maintain enacted funding levels for LIHEAP in FY27.