Tester helps secure $6 million grant to assist Montana homeless veterans

On Montana tour, Tester and VA Secretary hail major investment

(HELENA, Mont.) – While touring Montana with VA Secretary Bob McDonald, Senator Jon Tester hailed a $6 million grant that is being awarded to the Volunteers of America Northern Rockies to help end veterans homelessness in Montana.

Tester wrote a letter last month in support of the Volunteers of America Northern Rockies grant application. Since 2012, VOA has worked with over 200 veterans and their families to help provide housing services for homeless and at-risk for homeless veterans.

“When they return home, we can’t forget about the folks who served our nation and put their lives on the line for us,” Tester said. “The Volunteers of America Northern Rockies are doing great work with our veterans and their families. These additional resources will help them continue to fight for our veterans and get them back on their feet.”

The $6 million award is a portion of the $93 million Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) grant administered by the VA. The SSVF grant will help approximately 45,000 homeless and at-risk homeless veterans and their families in 10 states across the country.

This week Tester is traveling with Secretary McDonald to Helena, Missoula and Billings to hear from veterans, VA employees, representatives from veterans service organizations, local health care providers and community leaders. A detailed schedule is available online.