    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [December 24, 1997]
    [Page 1825]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Assistance for the Homeless
    December 24, 1997

        Today--on the eve of Christmas and the first day of Hanukkah--it is
    important for all Americans to come together as one community and
    remember those who are less fortunate, particularly our fellow citizens
    without the warmth and security of a home. I applaud the many Americans
    who dedicate their lives--and the hundreds and thousands of volunteers
    who work tirelessly--to help provide shelter, food, and dignity to
    homeless men, women, and children.
        As long as there are children waking up in America on Christmas
    morning without the comfort of a warm home, we have more work to do.
    Religious and community organizations are doing their part to help
    alleviate homelessness. The Federal Government must do its share too.
        That is why I have asked Secretary Cuomo to announce today that my
    next budget will provide an additional $327 million for homeless
    assistance--if enacted, one of the largest dollar increases ever. My new
    budget will request $1.15 billion to help move the homeless from the
    streets to self sufficiency--a 40-percent increase over this year. This
    amount includes 34,000 vouchers to help individuals and families who are
    1 now homeless celebrate future holidays in a place they can
    call ``home.'' These funds will help create safer places for our
    children to grow up, more stable families, and a stronger American
    community. I look forward to working with Congress to achieve this
    needed assistance for the homeless.
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