Overview: On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we remember with gratitude those veterans who gave their lives that day and we extend thanks to the few veterans from that day who are still with us.
Catholic Social Services of Philadelphia hosted a CCUSA policy forum on best practices for addressing homelessness this week. Nearly 60 people from Catholic Charities agencies and municipal departments took part sharing their own experiences and listening to representatives of the federal government on the topic of homelessness.
Congress returned to Washington this week to vote on the first fiscal 2025 appropriations bills (see "Appropriations" paragraph below). President Biden signed an executive order to reduce border crossings by migrants seeking asylum. CCUSA, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and several Catholic organizations expressed concern about the order because it will restrict and slow access to asylum and other protections for families and children fleeing violence and persecution, potentially leaving them in unsafe conditions or in indefinite detention at the U.S./Mexico border.
Appropriations: CCUSA sent letters this week to the Justice and Homeland Security congressional appropriations subcommittees while markups of bills are underway. The letters address the needs and priorities of Catholic Charities agencies.
Economy: In the week ending June 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 229,000, an increase of 8,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 219,000 to 221,000. The 4-week moving average was 222,250, a decrease of 750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 500 from 222,500 to 223,000.
Convening on homelessness: Attend one of CCUSA's regional convenings on homelessness, which will be co-hosted by local Catholic Charities agencies. Representatives from the government, Catholic Charities agencies, and other faith-based organizations will share challenges, ideas, solutions, and models of best practices for addressing homelessness. Information gathered from the convenings will be used to produce a white paper and prepare for a national summit on preventing homelessness. Registration is open for Providence, RI (June 24-25); Minneapolis, Minn. (Aug. 8-9); and Phoenix, Ariz. (Oct. 24-25). There is no cost to register, but space is limited. A limited number of stipends for travel costs are available to Catholic Charities agency staff members, and continuing education credits are available as well.