Preventing Homelessness for our Former Service Members
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The men and women who have worn a military uniform have made incredible sacrifices to preserve our freedoms and keep us safe. Unfortunately, these same men and women have been particularly vulnerable to homelessness once their service is complete.
Earlier this year, I hosted a Homeless Veterans Summit, where we brought together the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Bob McDonald, representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as well as a number of community stakeholders to discuss strategies to end homelessness among former service members in Ohio. We discussed that while there are many local housing programs that work diligently to reduce homelessness in our communities, too many of our veterans remain on the streets as they do not qualify for housing assistance through the VA.
Recently, I introduced the Housing our Military Servicemembers (HOMeS) Act -- legislation that will reward local housing programs that receive federal grants for supporting homeless veterans. The HOMeS Act will elevate the profile of veterans and former service members for HUD homeless housing incentives to help get more of this population off the streets and into homes.
Though this legislation will not solve the problem of veteran homelessness completely, it is an important step forward. As we approach Veterans Day in November, I hope you will take time to consider how we can better give back to our veterans who have given so much to us. As always, I invite you to call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2015, Hilliard office at (614) 771-4968, Lancaster office at (740) 654-2654 or Wilmington office at (937) 283-7049 with any questions or comments you have about issues facing the federal government.
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