March 31, 2021 – The Dallas Morning News – Ellen Magnis
The American Rescue Plan Act that recently was enacted will go far to support families with children experiencing or nearing homelessness in our community. From March to July of 2020, when stimulus and extra unemployment benefits flowed directly into the hands of families, we saw a significant decrease in call volume from families seeking emergency shelter. As those benefits diminished, our call volume increased.
Our hope is that this next round of stimulus, particularly the expanded child tax credit, will again stabilize our most vulnerable families. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, as a result of this benefit, nationwide about 4.1 million children under 18 will be lifted out of poverty and another 5.75 million children will move closer up towards the poverty line.
Last year, we at Family Gateway never closed our doors. In fact, we expanded to fill gaps and served 80% of families who needed shelter. As we look to recover from an ongoing pandemic and the subsequent economic implications, we are thankful for city and national leadership and their work to make sure children and their families can continue to rebound and stabilize.
Ellen Magnis, president and CEO, Family Gateway
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