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June 28, 2024


 

News


Overview: CCUSA's government relations team met with several staff members of the House of Representatives this week, urging the representatives to increase funding in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

Both chambers of Congress are in recess next week in celebration of the fourth of July, so Washington Weekly will recess too. Enjoy the holiday!

Supreme Court on homelessness: Following the Supreme Court's June 28 ruling ([link removed]) allowing cities to ban sleeping outside in public spaces, Catholic Charities USA president and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson issued this statement ([link removed]):

"The Catholic Church teaches that access to safe housing is a basic human right. Our country desperately needs to address a severe lack of affordable housing and related rising rates of homelessness. Criminalizing homelessness and imposing fines on people unable to pay them are neither practical nor humane solutions. In communities all around the nation, Catholic Charities agencies continue to develop innovative, effective programs to address the conditions that cause homelessness, holistically treat mental and behavioral health challenges, and increase local supplies of safe, affordable homes. We urge leaders at the federal, state and local levels, along with all people of good will, to join us in this effort to care for and uphold the human dignity of our brothers and sisters in need."

Economy: In the week ending June 22, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 233,000, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 238,000 to 239,000. The 4-week moving average was 236,000, an increase of 3,000 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 232,750 to 233,000.

Immigration: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Haiti has been re-designated ([link removed]) for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and the current designation has been extended for 18 months. The re-designation would benefit around 309,000 more Haitian nationals or people without a nationality who previously lived in Haiti. To qualify, they must have established residence in the United States on or before June 3, 2024, and have continuously lived in the country since that date. Additionally, because some individuals with TPS who apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) may not receive it before their current one expires, DHS is extending the validity of certain EADs issued under Haiti's TPS designation through August 3, 2025. The Federal Register Notice ([link removed]), which is scheduled for publication on July 1, 2024, explains the eligibility criteria, procedures, and timeline for initial and re-registration.

CCUSA's convenings on homelessness: Register today for our upcoming forums ([link removed]) in Minneapolis (August 8-9) and Phoenix (October 24-25)! Throughout 2024, CCUSA is collaborating with local Catholic Charities agencies to host several regional convenings that will better equip attendees to raise awareness around the crisis of homelessness in America. This series, Advocacy Forums: A Convening on Practical Solutions to Address Homelessness ([link removed]), provides a platform to discuss the state of homelessness in local communities, states and regions; share challenges, ideas, solutions and models of best practice for addressing homelessness; and federal-level advocacy training. The collective wisdom, best practices and innovative solutions developed at these convenings will help guide the creation of a new white paper and inform preparations for a national summit on homelessness prevention. Leaders and staff from Catholic Charities agencies, Catholic organizations, Catholic parishes, other faith communities and local collaborators are encouraged to attend. Presenters include CCUSA staff, Catholic Charities leaders, community leaders and local, state and federal agencies. Registration for the events is free, and a limited number of stipends for travel costs are available for Catholic Charities agency staff members. Attendees also can receive up to 5.5 social work continuing education credits through their participation.

 

Trivia

Q. What is the shortest psalm in the Bible and what does it say about God?

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