An open letter to Congressman Michael Waltz, U.S. House of Representatives, Florida District 6

Editor, The Beacon:

I am a citizen of DeLand, in Congressman Waltz’s district. The challenge local officials and the citizens of DeLand face finding solutions for the problems associated with homelessness is daunting.

This issue is not unique to DeLand, the county of Volusia or the state of Florida; this is a significant national issue.

The conditions exacerbating homelessness include low wages, the price of housing (rising real estate and property-insurance costs, etc.) and lack of access to health care for those in need of services to help manage mental illnesses and addictions.

There should be activity in the U.S. House of Representatives to address the conditions contributing to this struggle. What are Mr. Waltz’s policy positions on homelessness? What, if any, bills is Congressman Waltz sponsoring as a proposed solution?

Jeff Shepherd

DeLand