Larsen Announces Grant To Address Homelessness Among Local Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 11, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today applauded a federal grant for a Snohomish County organization to prevent homelessness among veterans.

The Housing Authority of Snohomish County (HASCO) received $154,850 in project-based vouchers through the Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. Veterans who participate in the HUD-VASH program contribute no more than 30 percent of their own income toward rent and the remaining balance is paid by the grant to the property owners.

“Sadly, many veterans in my district struggle with homelessness. Even as we honor our veterans this Veterans Day, I want to make sure veterans have roofs over their heads every day of the year. I am a strong supporter of the HUD-VASH program, which has helped many veterans get on the path to independence. This grant will continue to support veterans in need as they transition out of homelessness and into stability,” Larsen said.

HASCO was established in 1971 to increase affordable housing in Snohomish County. HASCO is a long-time recipient of HUD-VASH grants, including a grant to house 12 veterans experiencing homelessness earlier this year. The 20 housing units funded with this new grant brings HASCO’s total number of HUD-VASH vouchers to 219. This program also matches veterans with other support and services they may need as they transition out of homelessness.

Larsen also announced a bill earlier this week that would expand benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans who are unable to conceive children because of service-related injuries.