WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The federal grant comes as part of a $60 million HUD-VASH program that started in 2008 to help homeless veterans across all 50 US states, stabilize their lives and gain housing and medical support.
"No one who has served our nation should find themselves living on the streets,” Sen. Menedez said. “I applaud this funding, because it helps ensure vets in New Jersey will receive the shelter, services, and support they need and deserve."
The funding will be given on the basis of a demonstrated need in areas with high numbers of homeless veterans, in coordination with local housing authorities and US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. Those eligible will be provided with permanent housing, case management and clinical assistance, according to the release.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, around 50,000 of the 580,000 homeless people in the United States are veterans, many of whom suffer many medical and mental health problems.
“Since 2010, nearly 230,000 veterans and their family members have been supported by HUD’s targeted housing vouchers and VA homelessness programs designed to permanently house, rapidly rehouse, or prevent families from falling into homelessness,” a White House press release read on Monday.
US President Barack Obama has pledged to not just address veterans’ homelessness, but to end it, according to the White House.
