Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the award of nearly $100 million in grants that will help some 42,000 homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families.
The grants are going to 151 community agencies in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, VA is awarding grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that provide services to very low-income Veteran families living in — or transitioning to — permanent housing. Those community organizations provide a range of services that promote housing stability among eligible very low income Veteran families.
Under the grants, homeless providers will offer Veterans and their family members outreach, case management, assistance in obtaining VA benefits and assistance in getting other public benefits. Community-based groups can offer temporary financial assistance on behalf of Veterans for rent payments, utility payments, security deposits and moving costs.
This is the program’s second year. Last year, VA provided about $60 million to assist 22,000 Veterans and family members.