July 26, 2010
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On July 22, the Departments of HUD and Veterans Affairs announced their commitment to battling veterans’ homelessness by investing in the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Program (VHPD). HUD and the VA will invest a combined $15 million, in three-year grants, to five selected communities near military installations; selected communities can be found in HUD’s press release.  Under the new program, existing Continuums of Care located near the military installations will each receive $2 million and VA medical centers in those areas will each receive $1 million.

HUD funds will provide short- or medium-term rental assistance, including security deposits, utility payments, and case management. In addition, the program will offer community-based supportive services appropriate for veterans, primarily those returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, and their families, including child care and family services.
 
The Department of Labor will also be collaborating with HUD and the VA to contribute employment services to the demonstration program.  VHPD was authorized in FY 2009 appropriations legislation.
 
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan stated that this is “another step toward reaching President Obama’s goal of preventing and ending all forms of homelessness.”