U.S. Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) recently sponsored bipartisan legislation that would address the needs of at-risk families by linking them online with local nonprofits to help them access resources, support and services.
“Families across the nation are struggling to make ends meet as they face rising costs and supply chain shortages,” Rep. Miller said. “They need a hand up more than ever before, and our bill will do just that by providing parents access to helpful community resources.”
The Helping Households And Neighbors Distribute Services for Families Act, H.R. 8620, also known as the Helping HANDS for Families Act, is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) and has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.
If enacted, H.R. 8620 would allow states to use already-allocated funds to access online portals that connect families in need with community resources, such as pregnancy centers, child care programs and food pantries, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“As a mother and a grandmother, I know there is no greater priority than providing for your family,” said Rep. Miller. “I urge the passing of this legislation immediately to bring relief to parents, keep families together, and protect children in every community.”
H.R. 8620 would amend the Social Security Act to allow for the means of access and use of an electronic portal under the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families program, which supports at-risk families, preserves the nuclear family, promotes adoption, and assists children in foster care and adoptive families through accessibility to community-based services, the summary says.
“I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan Helping Households and Neighbors Distribute Services (HANDS) for Families Act to enhance these services and better serve the specific needs of families and children,” said Rep. Chu.