Boxer Joins Colleagues, Veterans Advocates to Oppose Extreme GOP Proposal to Deny Housing to 10,000 Homeless Veterans
House Republican Budget Would Cut Housing Assistance to Veterans, Leaving Many on the Streets
Washington, D.C. – March 11, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today joined with Senate Democrats and veterans advocates to condemn a provision in the House Republicans’ budget that would eliminate housing assistance to 10,000 homeless veterans nationwide. The Republicans’ proposed cuts could undermine a program that has helped keep thousands of veterans in California off the streets.
Senator Boxer said, “The House Republicans’ decision to slash funding for housing assistance to thousands of homeless veterans shows a total lack of humanity. These cuts would be devastating to veterans in California, which has the largest population of homeless veterans. These brave men and women deserve the best.”
Senator Boxer’s remarks came during a press conference in the Capitol today, where she was joined by Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), as well as advocates for homeless veterans.
The program, an initiative by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, provides housing assistance to help homeless veterans get off the streets and into private rental housing. Veterans who participate in the program also benefit from supportive services, including job training and education.
California has the nation’s largest population of homeless veterans – more than 19,000 as of 2009. Over the last three years, the state has received 4,555 housing vouchers through the program. But there are thousands more homeless veterans who need this assistance. For example, in San Francisco there were more than 400 applicants for 100 vouchers last year.
A video of Senator Boxer’s remarks is available here.
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