[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[May 17, 1994]
[Pages 943-944]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Report of the Federal Interagency Council on the 
Homeless
May 17, 1994

    Last year, I directed the Federal Interagency Council on the 
Homeless to forge a single, coordinated plan to break the cycle of 
homelessness and prevent future homelessness.

[[Page 944]]

    Today the Interagency Council released their report, which 
recognizes the magnitude of the problem of homelessness for the first 
time and proposes a comprehensive, innovative approach, the continuum of 
care, to move millions of Americans off our streets and back into our 
communities and our families. The 17-member agency, under the leadership 
of the Secretaries of HUD, HHS, and VA, and with the unprecedented 
consultation of thousands of people across the country, deserves credit 
for a thorough and honest examination of this complex problem.
    ``Priority Home: The Federal Plan to Break the Cycle of 
Homelessness'' is part of a larger strategy of health care reform and 
welfare reform which will give every American the opportunity to break 
the cycle of dependence, become self-sufficient, and work towards a 
better life for themselves and their families.

Note: The report was made available by the Office of the Press 
Secretary. An additional release of May 18 announced that the President 
proposed funding increases for homeless programs in cities across the 
country, and a State-by-State breakdown of dollar amounts was also made 
available.