Problem

NCHV helped create and develop every federal homeless veteran assistance program in existence today. A new generation of wartime veterans presents new challenges, especially for women and members of the National Guard and Reserves. The primary source of funding for all veteran-specific assistance programs is the U.S. Congress. NCHV does not engage in political activity, but helps write and ensure implementation of laws serving homeless veterans.

The Gift

This gift will provide one hour of consultation with members of Congress and their staffs on laws to create, provide funding for and expand veteran assistance programs. NCHV helped create the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program -- the largest federal homeless veteran assistance program -- and the Department of Labor Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, and helped write the Comprehensive Homeless Veteran Assistance Act of 2001 -- the most ambitious homeless veteran assistance legislation in U.S. history. NCHV is currently working to strengthen these programs, which provide direct assistance to more than 150,000 veterans each year; is engaged in initiatives to provide supportive housing for disabled veterans and women with dependent children; to extend programs for the elderly and terminally ill; and to provide economic relief for extremely low income veterans in the hope of preventing homelessness among this vulnerable population.