(September 20, 2012 -- Washington, D.C) Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today announced that the non-profit organization US Vets has received $1.2 million in grant funding to provide transitional housing to homeless veterans at its facility in Las Vegas. The grant was awarded through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program's (GPD) "Transition in Place" model.
"America's veterans answered our nation's call to serve and we owe them thanks for the sacrifices they made to help keep our nation safe. That includes housing assistance for vets and their families struggling to find a permanent home. The funding awarded to US Vets under this grant will help this outstanding organization continue to aid homeless veterans with transitional housing while they work to place them in permanent homes," said Berkley.
The VA's "Transition in Place" program allows veterans the opportunity to take over payment of a lease instead of moving out after using VA services such as substance use counseling, mental health services and job training. Other VA programs require veterans living in transitional housing to move out after 24 months. Community-based programs funded by GPD provide homeless veterans with access to social services and help homeless veterans get the support they need so they can get off of the streets and into homes.
"I am proud of my record of support for VA programs that provide funding for community organizations that provide employment assistance, job training, counseling and support to get veterans off the streets and into permanent homes, said Berkley."
"As someone who has visited the US Vets facility on Bonanza Road in Las Vegas many times, I've seen the difference that is being made in the lives of veterans who have been helped through VA programs aimed at ending homelessness in our community."