Tester announces assistance for veterans housing and services

Montana receives grant to help homeless vets get back on their feet

(U.S. SENATE) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that the VA Clinic in Kalispell will receive more than $100,000 to provide housing opportunities to homeless veterans.

The $105,489 grant for housing vouchers comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s popular Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program.  The initiative works with local housing and support groups to provide eligible homeless veterans with services that aid recovery from physical and mental health conditions resulting from homelessness.

House Republicans voted to eliminate the program in February. 

“Too many of Montana’s veterans come home and fall through the cracks,” Tester said.  “I’m pleased that this important effort will continue to serve Montana’s homeless veterans who deserve a safe place to call home and an opportunity to find work.”

To be eligible for this program, veterans must qualify for VA Health Care, they must be homeless and must participate in case management services in order to receive permanent independent community housing.

Tester is a cosponsor of the Helping Our Homeless Veterans Act, which would increase partnerships between the VA and community providers in fighting veteran homelessness.

Tester, a powerful advocate for Montana veterans, earlier this month brought VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to Montana to hear from veterans. Tester is Montana’s only member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.