VA Accepting Applications for Homeless Grants

Ronald D. Tears , Department Commander

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is accepting applications from public and nonprofit groups to provide up to 1,500 new transitional housing beds to help veterans recover from homelessness.

"VA is proud to take the lead in providing health care and benefits to homeless veterans," said the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. "However, we cannot do it alone. VA forms alliances with a variety of partners, and together we strive to break the destructive cycle of homelessness for our veterans."

Under VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, VA provides funds to community, faith-based and nonprofit organizations, and state, local, tribal and territorial governments to help homeless veterans. VA can provide per diem payments to recipients for up to 36 months under this program.

To obtain an application packet or needed assistance, contact the Grant and Per Diem Program toll-free at 1-877-332-0334 or download the application from VA's Homeless Assistance Programs and Initiatives Web page at http://www.appc1.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm?pg=3. Deadline for grant applications is Jan. 28, 2004.

Organizations seeking funding may obtain technical assistance by contacting the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans at 1-800-VET-HELP or by e-mail at www.nchv.org.

An estimated 25 percent of the homeless adults in the United States are veterans -- 200,000 men and women who served this country in uniform. During fiscal years 1994 through 2003, VA provided more than $170 million in grants and per diem payments in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for homeless assistance programs.

Currently, more than 6,000 beds are available for homeless veterans through these initiatives. When the latest applications are approved, approximately 8,000 community-based beds will be available.

VA is the only federal agency providing substantial hands-on assistance directly to the homeless. In addition to the Grant and Per Diem Program, VA administers specialized homeless assistance programs, including health care and rehabilitation programs for homeless veterans and outreach to provide benefits counseling and referrals to other VA programs.

In January, VA joined with the Departments of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)and Health and Human Services (HHS) in a $35 million initiative to expand federal support for homeless programs. In October, Secretary Principi was elected chairman of the federal Interagency on Homelessness.

"Homeless veterans want to regain personal pride and once again become productive citizens," said Principi. "In order to do that, they need access to substance abuse recovery and mental health programs, affordable housing and employment opportunities. It takes a network of partnerships to provide a full range of services."

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