News Release

HUD AND VA TO PROVIDE PERMANENT HOUSING FOR 70 HOMELESS VETERANS IN NEBRASKA
$75 million program to help an estimated 10,000 homeless vets nationally

OMAHA - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi today announced $75 million to provide permanent supportive housing for an estimated 10,000 homeless veterans nationwide. Nebraska will receive $351,548 to help an estimated 70 veterans living in Nebraska find permanent housing.

"We are deeply grateful for the service and sacrifice by our nation's veterans and we must make every effort to help them as they struggle to avoid a life on the streets," said Bernardi. "This program is one opportunity to say, 'Thank You' and to make certain that we serve them as they have served us."

"Today, VA and HUD are strengthening our long-standing partnership on homelessness to achieve a simple vision - that no one who has served and fought for their country should have to live on the streets," said Peake. "We hope to build upon this effort soon with another step providing more case managers to support a marked increase in permanent housing units."

HUD's Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH), funded at $75 million, will provide approximately 10,000 rental assistance vouchers to 129 local public housing agencies to assist homeless veterans nationwide. In Nebraska, two public housing agencies will receive funding to provide 70 rental assistance vouchers specifically targeted to assist homeless veterans in their area. In addition, VA and HUD will link local public housing agencies with VA Medical Centers to provide supportive services and case management to eligible homeless veterans.

In Nebraska, the Omaha Housing Authority will receive $206,732 to help 35 vets and the Lincoln Housing Authority will receive $144,816 to help 35 homeless veterans find permanent housing.

HUD will provide housing assistance through its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program which allows participants to rent privately owned housing. The VA will offer eligible homeless veterans clinical and supportive services through its medical center located in Omaha and its Outpatient Clinic in Lincoln.

Last year, VA provided health care to more than 100,000 homeless veterans and other services to over 60,000 veterans in its specialized homeless programs. The Bush Administration's proposed FY 2009 Budget seeks to double the amount of funding announced today to provide an additional $75 million to support the housing and service needs of an additional 10,000 homeless veterans across America.

Local communities or "Continuums of Care" that receive HUD homeless assistance will work with local VA Medical Centers to identify eligible participants. The VA will then screen homeless veterans to determine their eligibility. Those eligible vets will receive treatment and regular case management to retain the voucher. VA Medical Center case managers will also work closely with local housing agencies to help participants find suitable housing. Participating local housing agencies will also determine income eligibility in accordance to HUD regulations for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.