STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY ALPHONSO JACKSON ON NATIONAL ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS RELEASE OF HOMELESS NUMBERS

I applaud the National Alliance to End Homelessness for helping to analyze homeless data from hundreds of local communities around the country.  Having this data brings all of us another step closer to understanding the scope and nature of homelessness in America, and establishing this baseline is an extremely challenging task. Understanding homelessness is a necessary step to addressing it successfully.

Soon, HUD will release its First Annual Homeless Assessment Report.  This report will offer a more complete picture of not only how many persons and families are homeless, but also critical information about their needs.  The comprehensive data contained within the report will help those at the state, local and federal level create more effective strategies to house and serve those who might otherwise call the streets their home.

Since 2001, the Bush Administration has awarded a record amount of resources -- over $6 billion -- to help homeless individuals and families move beyond a life on the streets.  The Administration is committed to maintaining that support of effective programs to combat homelessness.

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