DEL. HERRING ADDRESSED OVER 1,000 PARTICIPANTS AT THE 2010 NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS

Yesterday U.S. Secretary of Veteran's Affairs Eric Shinsecki and Delegate Herring were the keynote speakers at the 2010 National Conference for the National Alliance to End Homelessness.   "I was honored to be invited to address a crowd of service providers and policy makers about the need for strategic planning to eradicate homelessness in the United States," said Delegate Herring.  In her remarks, Delegate Herring focused on the need for policy makers to understand the cost savings that can occur in states if the focus is placed on prevention programs such as rental assistance versus emergency shelter programs.  "Everyone should think outside of the box to create programs that are strategic", she said.  She noted that the 100,000 Homes Campaign has been instrumental in reducing homelessness in the United States.

Secretary Shinseki outlined President Obama's plan to eradicate homelessness in the veteran population in five years.  According to Secretary Shinseki, this will be accomplished, in part, through preventative programs.

On the heels of yesterday's speech, Delegate Herring will meet with Bob Sledd next week to discuss initiatives reduce homelessness in Virginia.  Mr. Sledd is the Senior Economic Advisor to Governor McDonnell and Chairs the Housing Policy Advisory Committee.