Advocacy Agenda and Priorities
Heath Care for the Homeless provides health-related services, education and advocacy to reduce the incidence and burden of homelessness in Maryland. Central to this mission is a commitment to advocacy with and on behalf of people without homes and those at risk of homelessness. Based on that agenda and upon current events, HCH has prioritized the following items for 2010. These priorities are subject to change in consideration of constantly evolving external factors.
- Expanded health insurance coverage: HCH will promote the comprehensive treatment needs of people experiencing homelessness within the public debate on health care reform. HCH will support the continued expansion of health services covered by the state Primary Adult Care (PAC) program and the implementation of full Medicaid for people living in or near poverty. HCH will advocate for a seamless transition from safety net health services to comprehensive public health insurance. The organization will work through the National Health Care for the Homeless Council to improve the Medicaid program and advance comprehensive federal health care reform through a “single payer” financing mechanism.
- Increased availability of affordable housing: HCH will advance public policies that increase the availability and accessibility of affordable housing for people with extremely low incomes by (1) urging the local creation of a comprehensive affordable housing plan that includes strategies to rapidly rehouse persons experiencing homelessness and meet the needs of those at risk of homelessness, and (2) collaborating on federal efforts to the finance the National Housing Trust Fund.
- Improved access to emergency shelter and services: HCH will work in partnership with other agencies to expand effective citywide outreach, ensure access to appropriate and effective emergency services in accessible locations, and defend state and local funding for emergency shelter and supportive services.
- Enhanced availability of appropriate incomes: HCH will defend the state’s disability assistance program, advocate improved and expedited access to federal and state disability and unemployment benefits, and support progressive tax structures. HCH also will support livable wages and broader supportive services for low-wage workers.
- Restoration and Protection of Civil Rights: HCH will promote policies that break the link between incarceration and homelessness by reducing barriers to successful reintegration into community living. HCH will work in partnership with other agencies to broaden the array of services, planning, and resources for persons leaving public institutions. HCH will support efforts to monitor implementation of legislation that designate people experiencing homelessness as a protected class.
- Expanded access to health-related services: HCH will work toward continued financial support of comprehensive services for people experiencing homelessness, including the federal Health Care for the Homeless Program as part of the Consolidated Health Centers Account and HCH’s capital campaign for an expanded facility.
For additional information on Health Care for the Homeless or its 2010 Advocacy Priorities, please contact Kevin Lindamood at 410/837-5533 x1303.