[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 52 (Monday, December 29, 1997)]
[Pages 2106-2107]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 2107]]

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 
<SUP>1</SUP> 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.
    <SUP>1</SUP> White House correction.