Press Releases
Dr. Bucshon Tours Local Community Shelters Providing Services to the Most Vulnerable
Washington,
May 3, 2018
(Evansville, IN) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) recently visited the Ozanam Family Shelter, the Ruth’s House Women’s Shelter, and the Albion Fellows Beacon Center in Evansville. “Our community is blessed to have caring organizations dedicated to helping the most vulnerable among us. The Ozanam Family Shelter, Ruth’s House, and Albion Fellows Beacon Center work tirelessly right here in Southwest Indiana to help individuals and families in need find support as they work to improve their lives,” said Dr. Bucshon. “Individuals that are homeless or a victim of domestic abuse are at increased risk of also becoming a victim of human trafficking. Likewise, individuals with opioid or another substance use disorder are at increased risk of becoming homeless. That is why the work being done here in our community to address homelessness and domestic abuse by these outstanding organizations is so important. However, these organizations cannot solve these issues on their own. “I’m proud that in Congress, I have consistently supported legislation to help combat sex trafficking, reverse the opioid epidemic, and protect and provide support for victims of domestic violence. I will continue to support legislation aimed at providing the necessary resources that enable these wonderful community organizations to continue their missions and enhance their ability to care for our most vulnerable.”
Background on Organizations Visited “We are the largest emergency temporary shelter in Evansville, IN that houses single women, single mothers, single fathers, two-parent families, and couples with no children who find themselves in a homeless situation. Our intent is to help others to help themselves. At Ozanam, we feel privileged to serve our many residents. In a typical month, we serve an average of twenty-five households.” United Caring Services, Ruth’s House “UCS served approximately 3,300 people in need across all programs. Our day shelter (drop in center) assisted approx. 150 men, women, & children each day. We served 127,172 hot meals, provided 25,285 showers with clean towels and toiletries, and 6,596 loads of laundry were washed & dried at no charge to our guests. Our emergency night shelters provided 215 women and 363 men shelter, safety, and support.” “For over 35 years, Albion Fellows Bacon Center has been strategically working toward preventing domestic and sexual violence in our community and offering services to empower victims. Our services assess barriers to safety and self-sufficiency as well as the emotional and psychological needs of victims. “ Legislation Supported by Dr. Bucshon This Violence Against Women Act established the office on Violence Against Women within the Department of Justice to administer and authorize many programs. These programs provide financial and technical assistance to communities around the country to facilitate the creation of programs, policies, and practices are designed to improve criminal justice responses related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. -$492 million appropriated in current fiscal year (FY 2018) by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (H.R. 1625) H.R. 2473 – Put Trafficking Victims First Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Justice, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, to provide training and technical assistance to help federal, state, local, and tribal governments combat and assist victims of human trafficking. Passed House on May 23, 2017 The 21st Century Cures Act accelerates the discovery, development, and delivery of new cures and treatments. Became Law December 13, 2016 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act This legislation, known as CARA, established a comprehensive strategy for improving evidence-based treatment for patients with substance-use disorders and made significant changes to expand access to addiction services and overdose reversal medications. Became Law July 22, 2016. |
