Van Hollen, Leggett Announce Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Voucher Grant for Montgomery County
Rockville, MD,
Apr 9, 2012 -
Today, Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett announced that the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County has been granted 15 new Veterans Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“I’m so pleased to announce these additional VASH vouchers for veterans in Montgomery County. I recently had the privilege of meeting with our veterans who have already received vouchers, and it is clear that the program has had a very positive impact on their lives,” said Congressman Van Hollen. “It is essential that that we do everything in our power to care for our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our nation – and Montgomery County has been at the forefront of this effort. These vouchers enable homeless veterans to afford housing, live in dignity, and access the benefits that they deserve.”
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett added, “It is gratifying to hear that Montgomery County will be getting additional housing vouchers for veterans in Montgomery County. We are grateful for the work of Congressman Van Hollen on behalf of our community. Ensuring affordable housing for veterans has been a key goal of our Commission on Veterans Affairs and their advocacy is to be commended.”
BACKGROUND:
Under the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program, homeless veterans contribute a portion of their income (no more than 30 percent) towards rent for privately owned housing, with the remaining balance covered by the voucher. Veterans will also receive case management and clinical services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA Medical Center in Washington, DC will identify the homeless veterans in Montgomery County who will receive the vouchers. The Housing Opportunities Commission will administer the vouchers. The vouchers are part of a nationwide effort by the VA to end veterans’ homelessness by the year 2015.
Congressman Van Hollen formally requested the vouchers in letters to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki on January 20, 2012. Montgomery Country Executive Isiah Leggett strongly supported Congressman Van Hollen’s request with his own letters to Secretaries Donovan and Shinseki, and Montgomery County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs was a vocal advocate as well.
Congressman Chris Van Hollen
