Washington, D.C. — The Secretary of Veterans Affairs today announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will begin accepting applications from public and nonprofit private groups for $12.5 million in grants to develop programs that help veterans recover from homelessness.
The Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program authorizes VA to assist non-profit, state and local government agencies to establish transitional housing and supportive services for homeless veterans. Grants awarded under the six-year-old program can provide up to 65 percent of the cost of acquiring, constructing or renovating facilities that will be used for supportive housing or as service centers.
"An estimated one-third of the adult homeless population in these United States are veterans — 250,000 men and women who served this country in uniform," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Togo D. West Jr. "This department is committed to working with concerned groups to break the destructive cycle of homelessness."
For fiscal years 1994 through 1998, VA awarded 127 grants totaling more than $26 million to 101 groups in 39 states and the District of Columbia to develop new homeless assistance programs. Currently, nearly 1,000 beds are available for homeless veterans through these initiatives. When these projects are completed, approximately 2,700 new community-based beds will be available. Also under this funding, 14 homeless veterans service centers will be established; 20 vans will be purchased by groups to conduct outreach or provide transportation for homeless veterans; and four mobile service center units will provide medical care and/or counseling services for homeless veterans with limited access to treatment.
VA is the only federal agency providing substantial hands-on assistance directly to homeless persons. In addition to the grant and per diem program, VA administers specialized homeless assistance programs, including establishing health care and rehabilitation programs for homeless veterans and conducting greater outreach to provide benefits counseling and referrals to other VA programs.
For further information about obtaining a grant application, call toll-free 877-332-0334 or visit the Internet site at www.va.gov/health/homeless/index.htm.
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