Public Policy
Rebuilding Together Capitol Hill Day
On February 25th, twenty-one Rebuilding Together leaders from across the county came to Washington, DC to visit their congressional representatives on Capitol Hill. Our affiliates visited over sixty congressional offices to advocate for an increase in residential energy efficiency programs, elder falls prevention, veterans housing, and AmeriCorps expansion. With their help we hope to secure federal funding so that we can sustain our volunteer-driven services to rehabilitate more owner-occupied houses.
Pictured: Congressman David Scott (GA 13) and Jerome Stephens the Board President from Rebuilding Together Warner Robins, GA.
Strengthening AmeriCorps
Rebuilding Together strongly supports the long-overdue reauthorization of the National Service Act with the enactment of S. 277, the Serve America Act, and urges Senators to cosponsor this legislation. S.277 would increase the authorized number of AmeriCorps members and also establish a Clean Energy Service Corps. AmeriCorps members provide opportunities for Americans to contribute their skills and energy at the community level, thus permitting service organizations and non-profits like Rebuilding Together to expand the reach of their programs. Companion legislation to S.277 is expected shortly in the House of Representatives. Read more.
Energy Efficiency – Green Housing
As Congress begins to address national energy policy legislation, Rebuilding Together urges the authorization of a Green Affordable Housing Nonprofit Partnership Demonstration Program within the Department of Energy. The recently-enacted economic stimulus program seeks to weatherize two million low-income homes, but given that there are 19 million such houses, to fill this gap requires a broader approach, drawing on the private donations and volunteer manpower that non-profits like Rebuilding Together can bring to the table. Read more.
Elder Falls Prevention
Rebuilding Together supports full funding of $20.7 million for the Safety of Seniors Act, P.L. 110-202, for the Department of Health and Human Services to carry out research, outreach, and demonstration programs in elder falls prevention. Read more.