REP LIEU STATEMENT ON VA REVERSAL ON DEFUNDING HOMELESSNESS PROGRAMS

WASHINGTON – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs reversed its decision to change the funding scheme for programs that benefit homeless veterans. This reversal comes after Rep. Lieu and 11 Members of Congress sent a letter to VA Secretary David Shulkin urging him to reconsider the decision, which would have jeopardized the VA’s ability to meet the needs of homeless veterans.

“I am pleased the VA listened to Members of Congress and the Veterans community, and reversed this decision. The Department’s commitment to soliciting input from local VA leaders and stakeholders is critical. We need to ensure that funding for crucial programs like joint HUD-VA housing initiatives maintain their special status in the Specific Purpose Fund. This status is crucial for Veterans who need affordable, stable housing and access to the services and care they have earned and deserve. There is still much work to be done – especially in Los Angeles, where the number of homeless Veterans has increased this year. We need to do everything in our power to work towards ending homelessness among Veterans.”

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