“THRIVE“–ing at the expense of other needy groups...
(From the National Low Income Housing Coalition) The House will vote today on H.R. 5735, the “Transitional Housing for Recovery in Viable Environments Demonstration Program (THRIVE) Act,” introduced by Representative Andy Barr (R-KY). Despite the bill’s worthy goal of helping individuals struggling with substance use disorders, it has significant flaws.
So far, NO DEMOCRAT has cosponsored this bill.
Minimal script: I’m calling from [zip code] and I’d like Rep. [___] to vote “NO” on H.R. 5735 – THRIVE.
Contact:
Rep. Julia Brownley: (CA-26): DC (202) 225-5811, Oxnard (805) 379-1779, T.O. (805) 379-1779
or Rep. Salud Carbajal: (CA-24): DC (202) 225-3601, SB (805) 730-1710 SLO (805) 546-8348
Other Contacts: http://www.phoneyourrep.com
Background
H.R. 5735 aims to provide housing resources for people entering into recovery housing for substance use disorders. However, its flaws are harmful to its own goals and the needs of others.
Because it provides no additional funding, however, the bill diverts scarce resources away from the lowest income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and other individuals who are also in critical need of housing assistance.
By allowing entities that provide drug treatment services, not public housing authorities, to administer housing vouchers, H.R. 5735 would make it difficult for HUD to properly oversee and monitor the program. Moreover, HUD is not the appropriate federal agency to establish standards for substance use recovery. Rather, the Department of Health and Human Services should lead on this effort.
The bill also allows service providers to impose arbitrary time limits, which are counterproductive. Time limits would only cut people off from the very housing benefits that make it possible for them to maintain their sobriety post-treatment.
You can read NLIHC’s written statement on the bill here.
