Bill H.R. 104 would Helps Veterans on Our Streets
Bill would make Crucial Veterans Affairs Program Changes & Transform Thousands of Lives
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/16/2017
Contact: Lois Matteis
The Center for American Homeless Veterans (CAHV) wholly endorses the Helping Homeless Veterans Act of 2017 (H.R. 104). The Bill, introduced by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) on January 3, would make the following programs, which assist homeless veterans and other veterans with special needs, permanent:
- Homeless veteran’s reintegration program
- Referral and counseling services for Veterans at risk of homelessness who are transitioning from certain institutions (including penal institutions)
- Financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing
- A grant program for homeless veterans with special needs
- Treatment and rehabilitation for seriously mentally ill and homeless Veterans
- Housing assistance for homeless veterans
- The Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans
The bill has absolute backing of the CAHV, as it will surely be a step in the right direction to helping veterans get the support they deserve. “This legislation has the potential to dramatically improve, and in some cases, save the lives of men and women who were willing to sacrifice life and limb for this country,” said MAJ Brian Hampton INF USAR (ret) President of the organization.
How to Help 50,000 Homeless Veteran
Since, H.R.104 would offer so many services, providing a hand up for veterans and not a hand out, enacting the bill over time would have the added benefit of not costing taxpayers any money.
The bill would make permanent the Homeless Veteran’s Reintegration Program (HVRP), which provides outreach and services to homeless veterans nationwide. A comprehensive referral and support network has been established, comprised of housing providers, local veteran’s groups, faith-based organizations, libraries, community colleges, and other community organizations.
The program includes everything from helping with resume writing, interviewing skills and job applications to getting vets haircuts, interview clothes, tools or specialized work clothing, and providing transportation. This program is critical to ensuring the nearly 50,000 homeless vets nationwide have at least some chance of reintegrating into society.
About half of all homeless veterans suffer from mental illness and more than two-thirds suffer from alcohol or drug abuse problems. Nearly 40 percent have both psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. Therefore, the treatment and rehabilitation for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans is paramount to ensuring vets lead better lives.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program awards grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives who can provide supportive services to very low-income veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing.
Grantees provide eligible veteran families with outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits, which include:
- Health care services
- Daily living services
- Personal financial planning services
- Transportation services
- Fiduciary and payee services
- Legal services
- Child care services
- Housing counseling services
Meanwhile, the Grant and Per Diem Program (GPD) Special Need Grants allow organizations to provide housing and services to homeless veterans from the following groups with special needs: women, frail elderly, terminally ill, chronically mentally ill and individuals who care for minor dependents.
Make Your Voice Heard and Make a Difference for Veterans!
To support HR-104, call your Representative urging them to pass this bill. You can find out who your Representative is and their contact information by visiting house.gov.
Established in 1993, the Center for American Homeless Veterans has sponsored 196 program/rallies around the nation, highlighting local facilities for homeless veterans, earning massive earned media and drawing over 100 Members of Congress to address the crowds.
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