The Nation : Aid to Homeless Proposed

A $500-million emergency package of food, shelter and other aid to homeless Americans was proposed by House leaders, who said they hoped to get the money flowing by early spring. The plan aims at “the urgent problem of relief for the homeless, with special emphasis on families with children,” said House Democratic leader Thomas S. Foley of Washington. The package, which represents a sevenfold increase in federal spending for the homeless, includes $170 million for emergency shelter, $100 million for family housing, and $50 million for new health care programs for the homeless. Hearings on the bill have been set for next month.