The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has reversed its decision not to fund homeless veterans. Secretary Shulkin stated:
"There will be absolutely no change in the funding to support our homeless programs.
We will not be shifting any homeless program money to the Choice program.
The President has increased VA homeless program funding by $66 million in his fiscal year 2018 budget.
Over the next six months, I will solicit input from our local VA leaders and external stakeholders on how best to target our funding to the geographical areas that need it most.
Based on that input we will come forward with proposals for fiscal year 2019 on how to improve the targeting of our homeless program funding."
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County), a veteran, issued the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs reversed its decision to change the funding scheme for programs that benefit homeless veterans. This reversal comes after Rep. Lieu and 11 Members of Congress sent a letter to VA Secretary David Shulkin urging him to reconsider the decision, which would have jeopardized the VA’s ability to meet the needs of homeless veterans.
“I commend Secretary Shulkin for protecting funding to help homeless veterans. The Secretary’s commitment to soliciting input from local VA leaders and stakeholders is critical. We need to ensure that funding for crucial programs like joint HUD-VA housing initiatives maintain their special status in the Specific Purpose Fund. This status is crucial for veterans who need affordable, stable housing and access to the services and care.
There is still much work to be done – especially in Los Angeles, where the number of homeless veterans has increased. We need to be doing everything in our power to work towards ending homelessness among veterans."
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