NonStop Local: Tester secures over $11M to fight veteran homelessness in Montana

Over $11 million is being allocated to assist homeless veterans across Montana.

Senator Jon Tester announced that over $10 million will go to Volunteers of America Northern Rockies. Additionally, nearly $2 million will be granted to Veterans Incorporated.

• $10,917,945 for the Volunteers of America (VOA) Northern Rockies;
• $1,837,500 for Veterans Inc.

This significant funding aims to provide essential services and support to veterans in need.

These awards are part of $798 million in grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, which helps to quickly rehouse veterans and their families, prevent homelessness for veterans experiencing housing insecurity, incentivize landlords to rent to veterans struggling with housing, and more. 

With this support, these organizations aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans across the state.

“Veterans Inc. is deeply honored to be among the recipients of the Supportive Services for Veterans and Families (SSVF) grant in Montana. This program is a lifeline for many veterans and their families who are facing significant challenges every day in our communities,” said Lt. Col. Vincent J Perrone (U.S Air Force, Ret.), President & CEO of Veterans Inc. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Senator Jon Tester for his unwavering leadership as Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, for his steadfast advocacy for the SSVF program, and tireless support for all veteran housing programs. His dedication to ending veteran homelessness is inspiring, and we look forward to using the vital support of the SSVF grant to make a real difference in the lives of veterans across Montana.”

“VOA Northern Rockies is committed to serving our veterans, ensuring those who gave so much for our country are met with dignity as they reassimilate,” said VOA Northern Rockies Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer Heath Steel. “We would like to thank Senator Tester and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee for their continued support which provides our organization with the resources needed to help those who sacrificed so much live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life back at home.”

Senator Tester emphasized the importance of this funding in addressing homelessness among veterans.

“Ensuring Montanans’ access to housing is particularly important when it comes to our veterans and their families facing homelessness,” said Tester. “We need all hands-on deck when it comes to tackling veterans homelessness, and that starts with making sure on-the-ground organizations have the resources they need to help our veterans. I’m proud to have secured this critical funding Montana organizations will use to support homeless and at-risk veterans and their families, and I’ll keep working to improve all Montanans’ access to affordable housing.”