Bond Sponsors Legislation to Fight Homelessness among Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC – November 16, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Kit Bond has introduced legislation that will increase funding to provide transitional housing for homeless veterans, calling it our nation’s sacred responsibility to support the men and women who answered America’s call to serve.
“Our nation’s veterans are owed more than a blanket and a hot meal,” said Bond. “This additional funding will continue the permanent supportive housing strategy that has been proven successful in ending the tragedy of homelessness among so many of our veterans.”
The bipartisan amendment introduced by Senators Bond, Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Tom Udall (D-NM) will add $6 million to the $144 million already allocated for the Homeless Grant and Per Diem Program in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill which is currently being debated in the Senate. This additional funding will bring the program to its full authorization level of $150 million.
The Homeless Grant and Per Diem Program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs promotes the development of supportive housing and services with the goal of helping homeless veterans achieve residential stability, increase their skill levels and income, and obtain greater self determination. In Missouri, more than $11 million has been awarded to community organizations and agencies that provide services to homeless veterans over the last 10 years.
Bond is a long-time leader in the fight to end homelessness and provide safe and affordable housing for veterans and families in Missouri and nationwide. The Senator has secured millions of dollars for proven programs aimed at helping those who most commonly suffer from chronic homelessness including veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the mentally ill, those with substance abuse problems and the disabled. Earlier this year, President Obama signed into law Bond’s Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act which builds upon tried and true programs that work to end the cycle of homelessness, like permanent supportive housing.
