Berkley Welcomes $1.2 Million To Help Homeless Nevada Veterans

(September 20, 2012 -- Washington, D.C)  Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today announced that the non-profit organization US Vets has received $1.2 million in grant funding to provide transitional housing to homeless veterans at its facility in Las Vegas.  The grant was awarded through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program's (GPD) "Transition in Place" model.

"America's veterans answered our nation's call to serve and we owe them thanks for the sacrifices they made to help keep our nation safe.  That includes housing assistance for vets and their families struggling to find a permanent home.  The funding awarded to US Vets under this grant will help this outstanding organization continue to aid homeless veterans with transitional housing while they work to place them in permanent homes," said Berkley.

The VA's "Transition in Place" program allows veterans the opportunity to take over payment of a lease instead of moving out after using VA services such as substance use counseling, mental health services and job training.  Other VA programs require veterans living in transitional housing to move out after 24 months.  Community-based programs funded by GPD provide homeless veterans with access to social services and help homeless veterans get the support they need so they can get off of the streets and into homes.

"I am proud of my record of support for VA programs that provide funding for community organizations that provide employment assistance, job training, counseling and support to get veterans off the streets and into permanent homes, said Berkley."

"As someone who has visited the US Vets facility on Bonanza Road in Las Vegas many times, I've seen the difference that is being made in the lives of veterans who have been helped through VA programs aimed at ending homelessness in our community."

Throughout her time in Congress, Berkley has been a leading advocate for Nevada veterans and was instrumental in securing approval and funding for the State's first full-service VA medical complex which includes a new hospital, outpatient clinic and long-term care facility.
 
"Our new state-of-the-art VA medical center provides Nevada veterans access to the high-quality medical care and mental health services that they earned through their service to our nation in America's armed forces," said Berkley.
 
As a former Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Berkley helped to secure $600 million in funding needed for the trio of new facilities at the medical center in North Las Vegas and was instrumental in securing land for the medical complex at no cost to the VA.
 
Berkley and her staff met regularly with VA officials and the project's architects to ensure all resources were in place for completion of the medical complex.  The Congresswoman also toured the facilities at the VA medical center with local Nevada veterans so they could see the progress being made and offer any suggestions to help those who will be served by the VA hospital, outpatient clinic and long-term care facility.
 
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