Carnahan Welcomes Renewal of Veterans Housing Grant

Press Release

Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO), member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, today welcomed the award of nearly id="mce_marker" million by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to improve very low-income Veteran families' housing stability in St. Louis. The renewal grant, awarded as part of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program, is being given to the St. Patrick Center in St. Louis.

"Too many of the men and women of our armed forces, who bravely stood watch to protect this nation, have been left in its shadows upon their return home," said Carnahan. "Veterans Administration Secretary Shinseki has set a goal of ending Veteran homelessness during his time at the VA. I support, encourage and applaud all of the efforts he and the VA have implemented to achieve that goal. This grant is one more step toward repaying a small part of the debt we owe to our Veterans."

The SSVF program will provide supportive services to very low-income Veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing. Grantees include private, non- profit organizations and consumer cooperatives. The SSVF program is a critical element of VA's plan to prevent and end homelessness among Veterans.

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.

Source