Federations Commend House C'tee for advancing $10M for Holocaust Survivors

Jewish Federations commend the House Appropriations Committee for advancing a $10 million allocation to the Holocaust Survivor’s Assistance Program.

 

The Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program is a public-private partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living, JFNA, and community-based health and supportive services providers to better address the unique needs of the country’s aging Holocaust survivor population.

 

It has led innovations in person-centered, trauma-informed (PCTI) care for Holocaust survivors and their family caregivers, an approach JFNA is further developing to serve diverse older populations impacted by trauma.

 

"Jewish Federations commend the House Appropriations Committee for advancing $10 million in funding for the Holocaust Survivor’s Assistance Program, an increase from the current $6 million," said SVP of Public Affairs Elana Broitman. "Holocaust survivors, older adults affected by trauma, and their caregivers face unique challenges and deserve dignity and support, which is why Jewish Federations advocated for bolstering this important program."

 

Jewish Federations urge the full House and Senate to follow suit in supporting the $10 million funding level for this critical program.

 

The announcement comes on the heels of Holocaust Survivor Day, which was marked this past Sunday.

 

Approximately one third of the Holocaust survivors in the U.S. are estimated to be living in poverty. As a group, Holocaust survivors are subject to increased risk of depression, social isolation, and extremely poor outcomes if they don’t receive the proper care.

 

Nearly 90 percent of older adults in the United States have been exposed to at least one traumatic event, including those who have experienced violence and oppression, military veterans, first responders, refugees, and survivors of childhood and domestic violence, abuse, and man-made or natural disasters.