Tester Announces $1.2 Million for Volunteers of America Northern Rockies to Combat Veteran Homelessness

Senator helped secure funding for statewide organization to assist Montana homeless veterans and their families

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $1.2 million in federal funding for the Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, a statewide service organization focused on helping prevent and end veteran homelessness in Montana. 

“The Volunteers of America Northern Rockies does great work across the Treasure State helping veterans and their families put a safe roof over their heads,” said Tester. “That’s why I’m proud to have helped secure this important investment that’ll support Montana’s continued fight to end veteran homelessness and connect more folks with the tools they need to succeed here at home.”

The award is a portion of more than $130 million in grants the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program awarded to existing providers to further incentivize landlords to rent to veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and their families. Last year, SSVF served more than 100,000 veterans and veteran family members through grants provided to organizations working to end veteran homelessness nationwide.

“Volunteers of America Northern Rockies is incredibly grateful for Senator Tester’s commitment to our Nation’s Veterans,” said Jeff Holsinger, Chief Executive Officer Volunteers of America Northern Rockies. “His leadership as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs helped secure additional funds for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program that will have a profound impact on our ability to obtain stable housing for homeless veterans in Montana.”

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Tester helped secure federal funding to support VA programs, including those aimed at tackling veteran homelessness, through the annual appropriations process. The Senator also fought tirelessly to deliver billions in the American Rescue Plan to provide health care services and extended support for veterans who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. He was the only Montana statewide official who supported the legislation.