HUD SECRETARY HIGHLIGHTS FAITH-BASED CONTRIBUTIONS TO FIGHTING HOMELESSNESS

WASHINGTON - Faith-based organizations are making a huge difference in the Bush Administration's efforts to reduce homelessness, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston said today. Addressing the White House National Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Conference, Preston highlighted the Administration's partnership with faith-based and community organizations and steps being taken to reduce chronic homelessness, especially among veterans.

"The Faith-Based and Community Initiative combines the strengths of the public and private sectors to make our social programs work better," said Preston. "There is a vast, network of partnerships between HUD, local communities and nonprofit organizations around the country. These partnerships are incredibly effective in helping to reduce the number of persons who are calling the streets their home."