Expressing support for the designation of September 19, 2014 as National Service Coordinator Day to recognize the value of service coordinators in subsidized and other affordable housing communities for their work to promote and support economic self-sufficiency and independence for low-income families, older Americans, and persons with disabilities.

Whereas the work of service coordinators in the United States aids more than 1,000,000 low-income Americans residing in publicly subsidized and other affordable housing communities; Whereas recent evidence shows that the provision of resident services through service coordinators results in dramatic benefits for both residents and developers of affordable housing; Whereas low-income families who are assisted by service coordinators have housing stability, experience growth in household income, have improved job skills and better parenting skills, have access to convenient after-school programs for their children, and move faster towards economic self-sufficiency; Whereas older Americans who are assisted by service coordinators experience benefits in their health outcomes and have the ability to age in-place as they become more frail, thereby delaying or preventing the transfer to a more expensive nursing home setting; Whereas persons with disabilities residing in housing communities having a service coordinator are aided in maximizing their independence to the greatest extent possible; Whereas affordable housing developers are benefitted by having a service coordinator on staff as coordinators can intervene rapidly to address resident crises and issues that otherwise might lead to evictions, can reduce damages to the property, and can provide a sense of community and safe and stable housing; Whereas the profession of service coordination is dedicated to empowering residents to maximize their independence and self-sufficiency, holds residents’ rights to self-determination in the highest regard, and instills trust through maintaining high standards of confidentiality; Whereas residents in subsidized and affordable housing communities having a service coordinator report higher satisfaction with their living environments and a heightened desire to be productive members of their communities; Whereas service coordinators in subsidized and other affordable housing communities are collectively supported and promoted through the efforts of the American Association of Service Coordinators that was incorporated in the State of Ohio on September 19, 1999; and Whereas September 19, 2014 is the 15th anniversary of such incorporation and would be an appropriate day to designate as National Service Coordinator Day: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of National Service Coordinator Day; (2) recognizes the value of service coordinators in assisting low-income Americans to maintain and maximize their independence and strive toward economic self-sufficiency; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to learn about service coordination and the role service coordinators play in aiding in the stabilization of housing, maximizing independence, and achieving self-sufficiency for America’s vulnerable populations.

Summary: Supports the designation of National Service Coordinator Day. Recognizes the value of service coordinators in assisting low-income Americans to maintain and maximize their independence and strive toward economic self-sufficiency.