Boyle Introduces Bill to Protect Homeless Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) recently introduced the Veterans Homelessness Contract Oversight Act, H.R. 1998, to bring Congressional oversight to federal grants that provide essential assistance to homeless veterans. The legislation requires that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notify Members of Congress and relevant committees of the expiration or termination of these grants, and submit a plan on how it will continue to provide the services provided to veterans under the grant, in order to prevent a drop-off in care upon the contract’s conclusion.

“The City of Philadelphia, the Department of Veterans Affairs and many wonderful local organizations have done tremendous work in achieving a ‘functional zero’ for veterans homelessness in Philadelphia. The same praise goes to many other cities around the country. However,” continued Boyle, “we must ensure that these veterans remain off the streets, and do all we can to prevent them from falling through the cracks when a contract is transferred to the VA. I’ve introduced this legislation to help us do just that.”

H.R. 1998 will provide transparency and enable Congressional oversight over HUD-VASH contracts. HUD-VASH contracts provide case management, supportive services and permanent housing support for chronically homeless veterans. H.R. 1998 will help make sure there is no lapse in care for veterans after a HUD-VASH contract ends. Boyle first became involved with this issue last year upon learning of the transfer of HUD-VASH supported cases from a local nonprofit to the Veterans Administration Regional Office in Philadelphia.