Senate Passes Improvements to Interagency Council on Homelessness

The Senate approved a bill that adds three additional members to the Interagency Council on Homelessness – one of whom must be a member of the ProvidenceVeterans Administration Medical Center.

The chamber passed the legislation in a 36 to 0 vote today. The bill (2013-S 0498), sponsored by Sen. Juan M. Pichardo (D-Dist. 2, Providence), requires that all new members be chosen and approved by a majority of the members present at an official meeting. It also inserts a provision calling for at least three representatives of the homeless community to be chosen and present at official meetings as part of a permanent advisory council.

“These are just some minor improvements that I think will further enhance our mission to understand the plight of Rhode Island’s homeless,” Senator Pichardo said. “The council’s mission is to examine the crisis of homelessness and implement strategies for a coordinated, effective response to reduce the number of people living on the streets in our state. What better way to enhance that mission than to directly engage with the homeless? It is crucial that Rhode Island has a well-rounded panel to market these strategies and solicit thoughtful, diverse insight.”

Having a medical professional who specializes in health care for the homeless on the Interagency Council and inviting members of the veteran community – including housing providers and current or former homeless veterans – to serve on its advisory panel will guarantee a distinct population of Rhode Island’s homeless the opportunity to provide input to the state’s initiatives. 

 “We have to remember that a portion of the homeless population are veterans, who left this country behind to defend our freedom, only to come back and face medical, employment and financial issues,” Senator Pichardo said. “It’s important that they have a voice and an opportunity to contribute to the discussion.”

Earlier in the day, Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee, Senate Committee on Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton) and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Raymond E. Gallison Jr. (D-Dist.69, Bristol, Portsmouth) joined together for a news conference to talk about a package of bills – which includes Senator Pichardo’s legislation – designed to provide assistance and support to veterans.

“With so many Rhode Islanders returning home from foreign deployments, we must do all we can to support our military men and women – both during and after their service,” Governor Chafee said. “I am proud to work with the General Assembly to provide support for military personnel and veterans, their family members, and their businesses.”

“Veterans have put their lives on the line for us, and they deserve the very best of support,” said Representative Gallison, cosponsor of the House companion bill. “This is especially true for those who are returning from deployment and have to find employment and perhaps a place to live and support their families while also dealing with the trauma of all they experienced in service. We must make sure they have the resources they need to handle what they face when they come back to us.”

Cosponsors of the Senate bill include Senators Paul W. Fogarty (D-Dist. 23, Glocester, Burrillville, North Smithfield), Nicholas D. Kettle (R-Dist. 21, Coventry, Foster, Scituate, West Greenwich), David E. Bates (R-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) and Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Dist. 7, Providence, North Providence). The House bill (2013-H 5857), sponsored by Rep. Peter Martin (D-Dist. 75, Newport), is cosponsored by Representatives Gallison, Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston), Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist.73, Newport, Middletown) and Stephen M. Casey (D-Dist. 50, Woonsocket). It is scheduled for a hearing and possible consideration before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on Thursday, March 21, at the rise of the House (approximately 4:45 p.m.) in Room 135 of the State House.