From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

November 4, 2022

Dear JOHN xxxxxx,

Supporting the needs of families is my top priority in Congress. Whether it’s uplifting seniors, creating opportunities for students, or strengthening resources for veterans, I remain dedicated to ensuring everyone in our community has the tools they need to thrive. Read more below.

Upholding Our Commitment to Veterans

Rep. Morelle speaks at an ARPA press conference for the Veterans Outreach Center

We send the men and women of our armed forces into harm’s way—and we have an absolute obligation to take care of them, and their families, when they return home. The Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) is a critical part of our community’s ability to uphold that promise, providing high-quality, individualized resources and services to veterans for almost 50 years. On Thursday, I was honored to join County Executive Adam Bello to announce a new federal investment of nearly $2 million to allow the VOC to complete renovations to Richards House, which provides transitional housing for male veterans. This funding will help the VOC reach every veteran in crisis and prevent homelessness, ensuring no one is left behind.

Uplifting Seniors in Our Community

It was a pleasure to spend time with seniors across our community this week and talk about how I’m working to safeguard Social Security and Medicare, two critical lifelines for older adults. I’m thankful for the partnership of organizations like St. Ann’s and Baden Street’s Mature Adult Resource Center, and I look forward to our continued work together to ensure everyone can age with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Supporting Local Students

It was wonderful to see so many people come out for the American Federation of Teachers' Book Giveaway last weekend. Reading fosters an appetite for knowledge, a sense of curiosity, and a lively imagination—and studies show that raising a child in a home filled with books positively impact their future academic growth and job attainment.

I’m grateful for events like this that help ensure books are accessible to every family across our community, and I remain committed to ensuring every student has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Lowering Costs for Families

No family should have to decide between heating their home and putting food on their table. That’s why I have helped secure funding for the Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps lower the cost of home heating and provide relief for families during the winter months. I encourage all who qualify to apply for this critical program.

Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program opened on November 1. Apply here: https://www.ny.gov/services/apply-heating-and-cooling-assistance-heap

Happy Halloween!

Rep. Morelle and his grandson Gabriel prepare for trick-or-treat

It was great to spend time with my family on Halloween—I even had the opportunity to trick-or-treat with my favorite Dalmatian! I hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween.

Please know my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District