West PDX Today

WASHINGTON, DC [6/6/23] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced legislation to help people experiencing homelessness access SNAP benefits.

The recently-passed Fiscal Responsibility Act expands work requirements for some people who receive SNAP benefits, but also creates new exemptions to those work requirements for people experiencing homelessness. The Securing Unhoused Peoples’ Program for Outreach Resources and Transportation (SUPPORT) for SNAP Act will provide dedicated outreach, application aid, enrollment assistance, and access to transportation for people experiencing homelessness so they can benefit from SNAP.

“The Fiscal Responsibility Act included important exemptions from SNAP work requirements for people experiencing homelessness,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I introduced the SUPPORT for SNAP Act to help people experiencing homelessness overcome common barriers to accessing SNAP, like a lack of transportation to the program’s offices to apply for benefits. It will also improve outreach so people know what benefits are available to them, and training for staff to assist with applications.”

The SUPPORT for SNAP Act would provide the necessary funding to establish outreach programs and provide training about SNAP applications for staff who work with people experiencing homelessness. The program would be established at USDA in consultation with HUD, which has expertise on issues related to homelessness. The bill includes:

• Application assistance for people who are experiencing homelessness and seeking SNAP benefits;
• Street outreach activities to connect caseworkers with individuals about their potential eligibility;
• Engagement with Continuums of Care, Community Action Agencies, and other organizations with experience supporting very-low income families or people experiencing homelessness;
• Allowance for funding to provide transportation to SNAP offices for people who need to apply in-person because of technology access;
• Funding for training on SNAP benefits, including the shelter deduction and homeless household deductions that can improve benefit values for vulnerable SNAP recipients; and,
• Translation of materials and improvement of screening processes to better support everyone accessing the benefits they are eligible for.

A summary of the bill can be found here, and the bill text is available here.

The legislation is endorsed by Feeding America, Alliance to End Hunger, and National Health Care for the Homeless Council.

Bonamici is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness. She also introduced legislation to reduce hunger among college students, as well as improve food security programs for older adults and adults with disabilities.

Original source can be found here.