In a significant move to combat veteran homelessness, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) has introduced the Housing for All Veterans Act. This legislation aims to guarantee housing vouchers for veterans, ensuring they have access to safe and affordable housing.
Senator Smith, Chair of the Senate Housing Subcommittee, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We promise our veterans that we will take care of them after their service to our nation. Guaranteeing housing for low-income veterans shouldn’t be optional. It should be a promise fulfilled for every veteran, to bring them home.”
Minnesota is close to ending veteran homelessness, with nationwide levels cut in half over the past fifteen years. The Housing for All Veterans Act aims to build on this progress and prevent veteran homelessness in the future. The bill will:
– Provide housing vouchers to all low-income veteran households, phased in over five years.
– Assist public housing authorities in verifying veteran status and leasing rental units.
– Protect veteran families from discrimination based on voucher use.
– Exclude veteran disability benefits from income eligibility calculations.
– Support veterans from active-duty, National Guard, and reserve forces.
Supporters of the bill, including the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, highlight its potential to provide long-term, sustainable housing solutions for veterans.
Senator Smith unveiled the legislation at the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ National Conference in Washington, DC, calling for swift congressional action to ensure every veteran has a home.