The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs is addressing the problem of Veteran homelessness with a program called Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Through SSVF, non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that serve very low-income Veteran families can receive grants totaling $600 million.
The SSVF program provides quick housing for very low-income Veteran families who are homeless or at great risk for being homeless. In addition to housing, the program also provides them with VA health care benefits and services.
Non-profit organizations who are eligible for grant money are those who provide assistance to VA families to obtain VA benefits. Other eligible services include legal services, housing counseling and help with moving, temporary financial help with rent, moving expenses, security and utility deposits, child care, transportation, utility costs, and emergency expenses.
The SSVF program helped over 39,000 Veterans and their families in 2013 through grants totaling $300 million. The VA has committed to offering $300 million in 2014 and 2015 for a total of $600 million over the next two years to help “Those who have served our Nation (and) should never find themselves on the streets, living without hope.” (Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki).
More information, visit www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp
