Tester, Baucus announce investment to help homeless veterans in Billings region

Senators: Montanans have a duty to care for those who sacrificed for us

(U.S. SENATE) – Senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus today announced a new investment to help Volunteers of America in Billings better serve homeless veterans in the region.

Volunteers of America Northern Rockies is a service organization that works to reduce veterans homelessness in Montana and Wyoming. The organization’s Montana headquarters is based at Independence Hall in Billings.

Tester and Baucus announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs will provide the organization with more than $22,000 to purchase a new van to transport homeless veterans to work, medical appointments and job interviews.

“Montana veterans deserve safe housing and the opportunity to find good work when they return from military service,” said Tester, Montana’s only member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “This investment will help Volunteers of America provide the services that veterans need to get back on their feet while ensuring safe, reliable transportation as winter approaches.”

“We hear too often from Montana veterans that the lack of transportation is holding them back. For many Montana veterans, this van can be the difference that helps them land a job or see a doctor when they need care,” said Baucus. “Volunteers of America in Billings does tremendous work for our veterans and I’m proud to support their efforts.”

Tester visited Independence Hall and met with Volunteers of America on Veterans Day. His measure to hire more drivers to transport veterans to health care facilities became law earlier this year.