On June 17, Representative Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced H.R. 2813, the “Shelter our Servicemembers Act.” The bill would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a pilot program that would award grants to nonprofit organizations to provide non-transitional housing for elderly homeless veterans.
The bill would authorize $50 million to go to up to two nonprofit organizations to purchase, refurbish, and renovate property to provide up to 200 elderly homeless veterans with permanent housing. Eligible homeless veterans are those who are at least 55 years old, have been homeless for one year or more, and have a limiting condition that impedes the veteran’s ability to work. The bill requires the Secretary of Veteran Affairs or the nonprofit organization to provide case management.
In addition to Mr. Peters, the bill has five co-sponsors, Representatives Charles Rangel (D-NY), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Michael Honda (D-CA), and Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU).
The bill has been referred to the Committees on Financial Services and on Veteran Affairs.
H.R. 2813 is at https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/hr2813/BILLS-114hr2813ih.pdf