The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) (www.dvnf.org) is urging the Department of Veterans Affairs’ to reconsider a recent proposal that would cut a major homeless veteran program’s budget.
A report from the Washington Post recently indicated that the VA planned to divert funding away from this $460 million joint program between the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and the VA, called the HUD-VASH program. Under the proposal, they would instead reallocate the funding to VA hospitals to be used at their discretion. However, VA Secretary David Shulkin responded that there would currently be no change to the program.
Disabled Veterans National Foundation CEO, Joseph VanFonda (USMC Sgt. Maj. Ret.), states that this move could be devastating to the hopes of housing homeless veterans, emphasizing that more than half of these men and women suffer from a mental illness.
“There are still nearly 40,000 veterans who are homeless, and well over a million estimated to be at risk of becoming homeless,” VanFonda said. “This program has made a profound difference in the lives of more than 138,000 veterans since 2009, so any major decision on this program should first consider the serious consequences it could have on the veterans who might depend on it.”
Homelessness among veterans is one of DVNF’s priority areas of focus, which it addresses through its Health & Comfort program. This program provides vital necessities to homeless and low-income veterans throughout the nation at stand downs, shelters, and other events, aiming to increase participation at these events so that veterans can take advantage of the many resources and community support that’s available to them.
In addition, DVNF also provides funding to support community organizations that address the needs of homeless veterans and offer programs to provide stability in the lives of veterans in crisis.
For more, visit www.dvnf.org.
About DVNF:
The Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom.
We achieve this mission by:
- Providing an online resource database that allows veterans to navigate the complex process of seeking benefits that they are entitled to as a result of their military service, as well as additional resources they need.
- Offering direct financial support to veteran organizations that address the unique needs of veterans, and whose missions align with that of DVNF.
- Providing supplemental assistance to homeless and low-income veterans through the Health & Comfort program and various empowerment resources.
- Serving as a thought leader on critical policy issues within the veteran community, and educating the public accordingly.