Senators announce more than $2 million for Montana veterans

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)  — Two new buildings, 40 new beds, and three new vans will help combat homelessness among Montana veterans, Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced today.

Three Montana organizations will receive more than $2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs:

$1,320,540 for Volunteers of America in Billings to build a new building with 20 beds and to purchase a new van.

$765,390 for the Crow Tribe in Crow Agency to build a new building with 20 beds and to purchase a new van.

$14,745 for the Missoula Housing Authority in Missoula to purchase a new van.

The goal for the shelters is to provide temporary assistance to veterans while they return to productive lives. The new vans will be used to transport the veterans to health care and job training programs.

“It is so important for our communities to make sure that those who have served our country to do not fall through the cracks,” Baucus said. “I know these new facilities and vehicles will make a real difference for Montana’s homeless veterans.”

“Part of our commitment to folks when they serve in our military is that we will take care of them when they return home,” Tester said. “Making sure homeless veterans transition back to leading rewarding lives is one part of that commitment.”