VA Announces $36 Million in Grants for Homeless Programs

VA Announces $36 Million in Grants for Homeless Programs

WASHINGTON (Sept. 23, 2008) - Homeless veterans in 35 states, theDistrict of Columbia and Puerto Rico will get more assistance, thanks toDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA) grants providing $36.7 million tocommunity groups to create 1,526 beds for homeless veterans this year. "These grants provide a helping hand to veterans who have served ournation in uniform," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B.Peake. "Our partnerships with community-based organizations providesafe, temporary housing while these veterans return to productivelives." VA has identified public and community non-profit groups eligible toreceive payments for housing and supportive services to homelessveterans, including 49 grants for vans that will transport homelessveterans to health care and training programs. The grants are part of VA's continuing efforts to reduce homelessnessamong veterans. VA has the largest integrated network of homelessassistance programs in the country. In many cities and rural areas, VAsocial workers and other clinicians working with community andfaith-based partners conduct extensive outreach programs, clinicalassessments, medical treatments, alcohol and drug abuse counseling andemployment assistance. VA's Grant and Per Diem program helped reduce the number of veterans whoare homeless on a typical night last year by 21 percent to about 154,000veterans. VA also provides health care to about 100,000 homelessveterans, compensation and assistance in obtaining foreclosed homes andexcess federal property, including clothes, footwear, blankets and otheritems. More information about VA's homeless programs is available on theInternet at www.va.gov/homeless.



This is really good news I know for a couple of VA's.