A message from Executive Director Michael Redmond
Greetings Everyone,
I’ve fielded a lot of questions from friends and supporters of the Haven about any impact on us due to the cost-cutting and program elimination decisions emerging from the new administration and proposed legislation from Congress in Washington.
I’ll start with some good news. So far, we haven’t had any cuts in funding to our programs and services. Only about 10% of our funding derives from Washington sources. The large majority of our funds are from private contributions made by individuals, companies, groups, foundations and organizations. The grants we do receive from Washington (via Vermont state contracts) fund several programs we operate. This includes funding for work called “coordinated entry” in which the Haven team assesses the needs of people for our shelter and housing services.
We also provide “supported housing” case management services through another contract with Vermont that help keep people once homeless securely housed. Some of our community outreach services that provide supportive case management to the community members are funded through federal dollars administered by Vermont. The agencies that manage these funds have assured us there are no issues with our being reimbursed for costs we have incurred in delivering these services. I will add “at this time”. In addition to these operations grants, we were awarded a Community Facilities grant from the USDA to support the construction of the new shelter. Again, to date there has been no specific notice holding up this vital grant support. We will closely monitor this as well.
A few other thoughts. In addition to focusing on possible impact to the funds the Haven receives, we’re also closely tracking any news out of Washington about the funding and service cuts and rule changes that impact the people we serve. Some of this news is extremely concerning. I’ve read about possible cuts to SNAP (food stamp) benefits, imposed work requirements for SNAP and other food programs, and reduced support to state and region food banks. All these decisions will have the effect of reducing the number of people who are eligible for this support and clearly need it. In proposed Congressional legislation, the majority party of Republicans are considering significant cuts to Medicaid, which funds health services for low-income people. These cuts include reducing income levels that determine eligibility, increasing the financial burden on states to participate in the Medicaid program, reducing funding to clinics and other health providers that provide these services to Medicaid-eligible persons, and increasing administrative tasks for eligible persons in an effort to reduce the number of people participating in this program.
What will be the result? People will still get sick, of course. There will be less treatment received as it becomes unaffordable and fewer preventive services that reduce illness will be available. Costs will be shifted from the federal government to states, localities and health program providers. The cuts in personnel, across the board in all agencies, seemingly without a plan or thought about impact, will affect all of us through longer response times for service, slowed work production, and contrary to stated goals – more fraud, waste and abuse.
As we learn about these actions that will negatively affect the Haven, partner service organizations and the people we serve, we will not stand still. We will seek opportunities to raise our voice in unity with others in protest and educate the community regarding what is occurring and the impact on our neighbors. We will continue our essential work as we have for 45 years with the support of the Upper Valley community to ensure that everyone is free from hunger, securely housed and closer to a self-directed life. If food supports are cut back, we will do what we can to expand our food programs to meet community needs. If shelter funds are reduced, we will still ensure our beds for individuals and families remain available and full. We will not be deterred from expanding our shelter capacity and resources through a new project for which we hope to complete our fundraising and break ground soon. We will continue to provide after school and summer camp for kids who have experienced homelessness. Our doors will remain open to people who need our help, and we will remain active in the community supporting people who were homeless and are now housed.
Michael Redmond
