Funds to Help Homeless in Troy Restored

After being initially rejected by Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian, funding to assist the homeless in Troy, NY has been redirected away from the city and to non-profit organizations directly involved in the cause. $845,000 in federal stimulus money will be funneled around City Hall and to Unity House and Joseph's House and Shelter who will distribute the funds to homeless people looking for shelter and to those who are struggling to stay above water.

The funds were rejected by Tutunjian because the apparent administrative role that the federal funds required of the city. Tutunjian alleges that the administrative cost would have been $42,000 and that the city simply could not afford. Now, to cover administrative costs, $25,000 of the $845,000 will be used by the state to provide administration.

Seems like a reasonable explanation by Tutunjian, right? Well, one would think so until you get to the end of the Times Union article and see what Tutunjian says about the new plan.

"[T]he people in need of assistance will get it, while the cost of such an effort won't be directly financed by the hardworking taxpayers of Troy."

Note his use of the word 'hardworking'. By uttering this he casts doubt on the homeless, insinuating that they are in fact, not hardworking and never were. Homelessness is not a direct result of people being lazy. Also, his statement reveals that he doesn't think anyone should have to help their fellow city resident, regardless of the glaring fact that homelessness is on the rise due to the economic climate. We're all in this together, Mayor Tutunjian.

It is time for the mayor to wake up! His social darwinism is outdated and ignorant. Unfortunately, those who are homeless and are negatively affected by the inane rejection of federal funds (for a social problem that ultimately affects everyone in the city) likely will not vote, considering the history of low-income voters participation in elections.

Thankfully, non-profits will get the chance to help out, with no thanks to Tutunjian. It would be great to see some tangible results.