Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

PRESS RELEASE
October 16, 2009
 
CONTACT
B.J. Iacino (303) 285-5223, biacino@coloradocoalition.org
John Parvensky (303) 285-5204 jp@coloradocoalition.org 

GOVERNOR RITTER RESTORES FUNDING FOR NEEDY, DISABLED 

The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless enthusiastically applauds Governor Ritter’s decision to restore funding to the Aid to Needy Disabled ( AND) program. The Governor’s decision reflects a keen and compassionate understanding of the needs of Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens.
 
“We are grateful for the Governor’s thoughtful leadership on this issue. These cuts would have pushed many disabled Coloradoans into homelessness and impaired our ability to help those who are homeless move back into housing,” said the Coalition’s President John Parvensky.  "We are pleased that the Governor listened to many people across the state who expressed concern about the impact of these cuts to our most vulnerable neighbors”.
 
The AND program serves a unique population – individuals who are poor, disabled, unable to work, are awaiting SSI benefits, and who are not eligible for other state assistance programs. The Social Security Administration reimburses Colorado once their disability benefits are awarded.
 
Randy, age 36, lives in Denver. He told Coalition staff: “AND literally changed my life.  If it weren’t for it, I would be in a homeless shelter.  It gave me hope and a chance to be productive.”
 
Forty-five organizations join the Coalition in expressing a note of thanks to the Governor. They are:
 

1. 9to5, National Association of Working Women – Colorado Chapter, Denver, CO
2. Advocacy Denver, Denver, CO
3. All Families Deserve a Chance (AFDC) Coalition, Denver, CO
4. Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Denver, CO
5. Center for People with Disabilities, Boulder & Longmont, CO
6. CWEE: Center for Workforce Education and Employment, Denver, CO
7. Colfax Community Network, Aurora, CO
8. Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, Denver, CO
9. Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Denver, CO
10. Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Denver, CO
11. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Denver, CO
12. Colorado Community Health Networks, Denver, CO
13. Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, Denver, CO
14. Colorado Cross Disabilities Coalition, Denver, CO
15. Colorado Episcopal Public Policy Network, Denver, CO
16. Colorado Interfaith Voices for Justice, Denver, CO
17. Colorado Progressive Coalition, Denver, CO
18. Consortium for Older Adult Wellness, Lakewood, CO
19. The Delores Project, Denver, CO
20. The Gathering Place, Denver, CO
21. Energy Outreach Colorado, Denver, CO
22. Francis Heights Clare Gardens, Denver, CO
23. FRESC: Front Range Economic Strategy Center, Denver, CO
24. Homeless Education and Legislative Lobbying Coalition, Denver, CO
25. Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement (HOPE), Longmont, CO
26. HomewardBound of the Grand Valley, Grand Junction, CO
27. Human Services Network of Colorado, Denver, CO
28. LaPuente Home, Inc., Alamosa, CO
29. The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People, Denver, CO
30. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – Colorado Chapter, Denver, CO
31. Mental Health America of Colorado, Denver, CO
32. Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, Denver, CO
33. NAMI Colorado (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Denver, CO
34. National Coalition for the Homeless, Washington, DC
35. National Council of Jewish Women – Colorado Chapter
36. National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, Washington, DC
37. National Policy and Advocacy Council on Homelessness, Washington, DC
38. People’s Leadership Council, Denver, CO
39. Posada, Inc., Pueblo, CO
40. Renaissance Property Management Company, Denver, CO
41. Rights for all People/Derechos Para Todos, Denver, CO
42. Senior Support Services, Denver, CO
43. St. Francis Center, Denver, CO
44. Stride, Lakewood, CO
45. Volunteers of America, Denver, CO