Housing Reform Needed To Help Poor Americans, Says HUD Secretary

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan says Congress should work on passing comprehensive housing reform that would offer more low-income American families a chance of renting or owning homes. (0:26)
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Describing typical homeless families

Dr. Dennis Culhane from the University of Pennsylvania says the typical homeless family consists of a mother and two children. He says the children are likely to be under six, saying this speaks to a woman’s opportunity in the labor market due to day care. He also says a disproportionate number of families are African-American. (0:40)
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Homeless rates stunning

Mark Johnston from the Office of Community Planning and Development at the Department of Housing and Urban Development says HUD’s 2007 homeless assessment showed a 30 percent drop in chronic homelessness. He says a reduction of homelessness in the hardest to reach population in the United States is stunning. (0:51)
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The Secretary of HUD Steps Down

Alphonso Jackson, Secretary of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, held a press conference this morning announcing his withdrawal from the office. Due to “personal and family matters”, April 18 will be the Secretary’s last day in office. In his statement, Secretary Jackson mentioned his achievements during the seven years in office and expressed his gratuity to the President for giving him the chance to “make America a better place to live.” Directly after the Conference, the Secretary left the room without responding to any questions. (02:14)
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Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Opposing Secretary Alphonso Jackson's "Hiding" From Congressional Questioning

Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) criticizing Secretary Alphonso Jackson at Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs hearing on oversight of H.U.D. program and its fiscal year 2009 budget. (1:02)
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HUD Secretary Jackson says they have seen a decrease in homelessness

HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson says the largest part of the budget is affordable rental housing. Combined, this budget seeks 29 billion for the rental assistance program which they estimate will help more than 4.8 million households. We need to maintain the units currently available in addition to expanding the numbers. Finally, he says, the homeless have not been forgotten, and for the first time ever they have seen a decrease chronic homelessness, a drop of 12%. We must continue the progress, he says. (:48)
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