WASHINGTON – To ensure state veterans homes in Illinois remain comfortable, safe residences, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding construction grants totaling more than $1.2 million for the state veterans home in Manteno and Quincy.
"These grants honor our commitment to care for the men and women of Illinois who have served in uniform," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Successful partnerships between federal and state governments are paramount to providing caring and comfortable environments for our veterans.”
The Manteno home grant of $570,545 will pay for the replacement of an emergency generator. At the Quincy home, the $690,533 grant will cover the cost of a mold remediation project. The two VA grants will pay 65 percent of the estimated $1.9 million cost of the projects.
The two facilities, along with state-run veterans homes in Anna and LaSalle are open to veterans who served in the military during wartime. To be eligible, veterans must have entered the military in Illinois or have been a state resident for a year before applying.
This year, VA expects to spend nearly $3 billion in Illinois to serve the state’s 840,000 veterans. VA operates five major medical centers in Illinois, plus more than 20 community-based outpatient clinics, five nursing homes and nine Vet Centers.
More information about Illinois veterans homes is available by contacting the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs at (800) 437-9824.
