July 31, 2013 Dear Representative: As the U.S.

House of Representatives considers FY2014 funding for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies, I write to express our views on H.R. 2610. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the affordable housing shortage has led to more than 633,000 individuals struggling to put a roof over their head, including 394,379 homeless individuals and 239,403 persons in families being homeless on any given night.[1]Catholic Charities Housing programs provide help and create hope for more than 475,000 individuals in need annually. Our work to provides a seamless continuum of safe and affordable housing options for the poor, which requires full and flexible funding from various federal programs. It also requires a comprehensive plan to address the current housing foreclosure crisis, which every day forces more families into dangerous housing conditions. Catholic Charities agencies rely on partnerships with government, public housing authorities, private businesses, and community groups to leverage resources and provide housing services for the poor and the vulnerable. The non-profit community cannot do this work alone. Government must be an equal partner. While we recognize that Congress faces tough decisions regarding the nations budget, we reject the notion that the House proposes to cut by $10 billion funding for critical programs that serve those that live on the margins of society. Therefore we urge you to oppose H.R. 2610 and support full funding for housing programs that allow each individual access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. Sincerely, Fr. Larry Snyder President and CEO Catholic Charities USA

Episcopal Liaison The Most Reverend Michael P. Driscoll, MSW, DD Bishop of Boise Chair John Young Vice Chair Kathleen Flynn Fox Secretary Rev. Msgr. Michael Boland Treasurer Marcos Herrera President Rev. Larry J. Snyder

[1] The 2012 Point-in-Time Estimates of Homelessness: Volume I of the Annual Homeless Assessment Report. US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

2050 Ballenger Avenue Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: (703) 549-1390 Fax: (703) 549-1656 www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org