Meijer bill would bolster federal resources to help tackle veteran homelessness

U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI) this week introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has ample resources to provide organizations focused on combating veteran homelessness with additional education and support. 

“Far too many veterans experience homelessness after serving our country in uniform, and the federal government has a responsibility to address this issue and ultimately prevent it from happening,” Rep. Meijer said. “No veteran should have to worry about whether or not they will have a roof over their head after their service to our country.”

Rep. Meijer introduced the Combating Veteran Homelessness Act of 2021, H.R. 5301, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), which would direct the VA Secretary to provide technical assistance to grant recipients for supportive services for very low-income families in permanent housing and comprehensive service programs, according to the text of the bill.

“There are many private and non-profit groups doing great work to combat veteran homelessness, and our bipartisan bill will make it easier for the VA to support their efforts,” said Rep. Meijer. “I am proud to join Rep. Torres in introducing this legislation that delivers on our shared goal of taking care of our veteran population.” 

If enacted, H.R. 5301 also would remove the cap on training and technical assistance spending provided by the Homeless Program Office, which has not increased alongside the significant growth of these programs since they were established, according to information provided by Rep. Meijer’s office.

“In order to honor the veterans who have served this country, and sacrificed so much, we must ensure that they have a stable roof over their heads,” said Rep. Torres. “This bipartisan bill will assist the organizations that do the hard work to combat veteran homelessness across this country.”