May 10, 2017

Manchin Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Veteran Homelessness

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced the Homeless Veterans Prevention Act of 2017. This legislation would build on existing homeless veterans programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by investing in established programs that are proven to be effective and removing any residual barriers to housing for Veterans.

“West Virginia’s Veterans and their families have made unimaginable sacrifices to keep us safe, and when these men and women return home they deserve the best care,” Senator Manchin said. “The Homeless Veterans Prevention Act bill expands on existing VA partnerships to provide West Virginia’s Veterans with housing, health care access and legal services to prevent and end homelessness. It’s our responsibility to ensure every Veteran has access to these resources.”

Key Points for the Homeless Veterans Prevention Act of 2017:

  • Keeps Veteran families together by allowing the VA to house the children of homeless Veterans in transitional housing programs.
  • Requires the VA to enter into partnerships with public and private entities to provide legal services for homeless Veterans and Veterans at risk of becoming homeless.
  • Provides VA with the authority to provide dental care to homeless Veterans.
  • Extends and increases the amount of money available for supportive services to very low-income Veteran families in permanent housing.

###