WASHINGTON—Seventy-five homeless veterans in Snohomish County will receive permanent housing through a grant announced today by Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02. The 75 housing vouchers totaling $585,873 are awarded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH). The Housing Authority of Snohomish County will administer the vouchers. Larsen has been a supporter of funding for the HUD-VASH program.

“Too many local veterans are struggling with homelessness,” Larsen said. “I take it as one of my highest responsibilities as a member of Congress to ensure that the brave women and men who served their country in the military get the support they have earned and deserve when they return home. These grants will help 75 Snohomish County veterans get permanent housing and on the path to independence.”

“We are pleased to receive these grants to add more resources to serving veterans in our community,” said Bob Davis, the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Snohomish County. “These vouchers are an important tool to get veterans off the streets and into permanent homes."

Eligible veterans are identified through Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities (VAMC) based on the duration of homelessness and their need for longer term intensive support. The HUD-VASH program includes rental assistance and comprehensive case management through the VAMC. Veterans who participate in the HUD-VASH program rent privately owned housing and contribute no more than 30 percent of their own income toward rent.

Earlier this month Larsen signed a letter of support for full funding of the HUD-VASH program in 2013.

Larsen also announced 25 HUD-VASH housing vouchers for Skagit County.

For more information on the HUD-VASH program, visit: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/vash

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