H.R. 8340 (RH): Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act
Introduction:
On November 2, 2024, the House of Representatives introduced H.R. 8340, the Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act. This bipartisan bill aims to address the critical issue of homelessness among veterans with disabilities, who often face unique challenges in accessing stable housing.
Key Provisions:
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Grant Program for Supportive Housing: The bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide funding to non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and Tribal nations for developing and operating supportive housing units for disabled veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
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Services and Case Management: Supportive housing units funded under the grant program must provide a range of services to address the unique needs of disabled veterans, including case management, mental health services, substance use treatment, and employment assistance.
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Coordination with VA: The VA is required to coordinate with the grant recipients to ensure that eligible veterans are identified and provided with the most appropriate housing and services. The VA must also provide technical assistance and support to grant recipients.
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Evaluation and Reporting: The VA is directed to conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the grant program within two years of its enactment and to report its findings to Congress.
Rationale:
According to the VA, approximately 37,000 veterans are experiencing homelessness on any given night, and many of these individuals have disabilities. Disabled veterans often face barriers to accessing affordable housing due to their unique needs, such as mobility impairments, mental health conditions, and substance use issues.
H.R. 8340 aims to address these barriers by providing funding for supportive housing units and the necessary services to help disabled veterans transition into stable housing and improve their overall well-being.
Support and Opposition:
The bill has received bipartisan support from a number of lawmakers, including Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), who introduced the legislation. Veterans organizations, such as the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans, have also expressed their support for the bill.
There has been no significant opposition to the bill at this time.
Prospects:
H.R. 8340 has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for consideration. The committee is expected to hold hearings on the bill in the coming months and make recommendations on whether it should be passed by the full House of Representatives.
If the bill is passed by the House, it will then be sent to the Senate for further consideration and a potential vote. The enactment of H.R. 8340 would represent a significant step forward in addressing the critical issue of homelessness among disabled veterans and providing them with the support they need to live healthy and independent lives.
H.R. 8340 (RH) – Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act
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