Harder Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Combat Veteran Homelessness

National -

November 14, 2023

On any given night, approximately 140 homeless veterans in San Joaquin County are sleeping in shelters or on the street

WASHINGTON – RealEstateRama – Representatives Josh Harder (CA-9) and Byron Donalds (FL-19) just introduced legislation to target the epidemic of veteran homelessness. The Improving Housing Outcomes for Veterans Act would get homeless veterans into housing more quickly by reducing delays and streamlining communication between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Rep. Harder worked to secure the funding for Victory Gardens in French Camp, which is set up to house at least 48 formerly homeless veterans. Harder continues to be laser-focused on making sure San Joaquin veterans have access to health care, affordable housing, and other critical resources.

“It is an absolute tragedy and dereliction of duty that we have veterans sleeping on the streets in San Joaquin County. If you fought for our country overseas, you should never have to fight to survive here at home,” said Rep. Harder. “My bill tells federal agencies to get their acts together, coordinate resources, and get this fixed now.”

“The struggle for far too many of our brave servicemen and women doesn’t stop once they leave the battlefield. Those willing to put their lives on the line to protect and defend this great country must not be forgotten, especially in their hour of need,” said Rep. Donalds. “That’s why I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation which helps ensure our government is working for those who fought for it.”

Specifically, theImproving Housing Outcomes for Veterans Act would:

Improve coordination and data sharing between HUD and the VA to better help homeless veterans;
Requires the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to provide medical center staff and homelessness service providers with best practices for collaboration on activities under HUD’s Coordinated Entry program; and
Requires the VHA to communicate with VA employees who have a role in homelessness assistance programs to ensure the best outcomes possible.

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