Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that the Housing Authority of Washington County and the Klamath Housing Authority – serving Klamath and Lake counties — will receive nearly $515,000 in combined federal resources to provide rental assistance for homeless veterans.
“Housing is a human right, and that’s especially true for America’s veterans when they return from their service,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified these federal funds will help veterans in Washington, Klamath and Lake counties get a roof over their head and a floor under their feet by connecting them directly with the assistance they need when they need it most.”
“Oregon service members deserve a safe and comfortable place to call home after sacrificing so much to protect our freedom every day,” Merkley said. “I’m pleased that Washington, Klamath, and Lake Counties will receive critical resources to help ease the burden on veterans searching for affordable housing. I will continue to advocate for our men and women who wore the uniform and ensure that housing remains a human right for all Oregonians.”
The $484,956 for the Housing Authority of Washington County and the $30,664 for the Klamath Housing Authority come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combining HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers, community-based outreach clinics, through VA contractors, or through other VA designated entities.
“We know people who have served in the U.S. armed forces are significantly more likely to experience homelessness than the general public,” said Kathryn Harrington, Housing Authority of Washington County Board of Directors Chair. ”These funds are crucial to narrowing that gap and ensuring every veteran in our community has a safe place to call home.”
“We administer 197 vouchers for veterans’ households across the county,” said Komi Kalevor, Housing Authority of Washington County director. “These additional funds are critical to addressing the needs of homeless veterans in our community by pairing case management and services through the VA, with housing. Every additional dollar we receive is an opportunity to expand our services for our veteran community members who have risked their lives for this county.”
A web version of this release is here.
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