The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has just announced an $84 million financial boost. The goal of this is to assist veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. To provide further detail, the money will split : $42 million for legal services and $42 million for case management programs.
It is evident that the VA is prioritizing the needs of veterans by making attempts to prevent homelessness and ensuring that veterans who are currently struggling have the support they need.
Why Legal Support Is So Important
Veterans face many legal issues when it comes to being able to obtain housing. There are many veterans who experience issues such as eviction notices, issues with landlords, they also struggle with child support or custody issues and some even have problems with unpaid fines. If veterans do not get legal help, it may be difficult to get these problems under control.
That’s why the VA is directing $42 million into its Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grants program. This program gives veterans access to lawyers and legal professionals who can stand up for them in critical situations.
The services will include:
- Assist with landlord and tenant disputes to prevent eviction.
- Assist in family court with child support/custody cases.
- Provide assistance with estate winding and securing assets for financial security for families
- The services will also provide assistance with accessing state benefits.
- Provide assistance with legal matters.
This kind of support is important for veterans because it could losing a home or gaining a home.
Case Management: Guiding Veterans Into Permanent Housing
The other half of the funding will go into case management programs through the VA’s Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program. This money will fund about 100 new case manager positions across the country.
It’s important to note that case managers play an important role in helping veterans move from temporary housing to permanent living arrangements. They do not just secure a home, but they provide continuous support to ensure that veterans are successful in the long run.
These case managers will:
- Case managers will help veterans secure housing that suits their needs.
- Visit veterans in their homes to ensure stability and provide check-ins.
- Assist veterans with other resources such as medical care.
Addressing a Long-Standing Problem
Regardless of the progress over the years, there are still thousands of veterans without proper housing. A lot of veteran’s face challenges such as health issues, unemployment as well as legal issues and this makes getting a home difficult.
The funding is meant to solve these problems. The legal services will help prevent problems such as eviction and case managers will help veterans build a stable life once their housing is secured.
A Welcome Move, But More Work Ahead
There are many veteran advocates who are happy about this decision as they have made it known that this decision provides a holistic approach as compared how it was handled in the past. The funding will focus on homelessness that results from a range of different problems.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said, “No one who served our nation in uniform should go without shelter. These grants will provide crucial support and services to help thousands of Veterans on their journey back to self-sufficiency.”
Even though the funding will address a major issue, there are still other problems that the VA struggles with. The VA continues to face pressure to reduce waiting times for benefits and to address staffing shortages in hospitals and clinics.
Looking Ahead
Thousands of veterans are relieved upon hearing this announcement as the new funding could change their lives. From getting legal assistance to securing homes, a brighter future is ahead