Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Ron Klein (FL-22) today strongly supported legislation providing assistance to the nearly 200,000 homeless veterans in this country. The bill, the Homes for Heroes Act (H.R. 3329), passed the U.S. House with bipartisan support under suspension of the rules.

“The Homes for Heroes Act fulfils one of our most important responsibilities: serving those who have served our country,” Klein said. “It is disgraceful that more than 19,000 of our brave service members are homeless in Florida alone, and today’s legislation is a real step towards fixing this problem. When our nation’s veterans fall on hard times, we will now be able to provide comprehensive, integrated services to help them get their lives back on track."

The legislation which passed the House today authorizes $200 million for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing vouchers to veterans. Integrating HUD services into the existing program for homeless veterans, currently administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will ensure a broader range of assistance, including health programs, transportation, job training, financial planning, child care and counseling.  

The legislation also includes grants to nonprofit organizations who house homeless veterans, and on the House floor this morning, Klein recognized one such group. Klein delivered an address commending the Stand Down House, located in Lake Worth, for their work providing shelter, transportation and job training to South Florida veterans.

“The Stand Down House is a lifesaver for many of our local veterans,” Klein said. “The services they provide are the difference between spending the night outside in the elements and having a roof over your head and a chance for a fresh start. I commend the dedicated staff of this extraordinary organization for their service to our community.”

Klein will join the Stand Down House for their annual picnic this Saturday, July 12 at 1:00 p.m.