$366,000 in Federal Funds to Get Austin’s Homeless Veterans in Homes They Can Afford

Washington, DC – July 15, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) announced recently that the Housing Authority of the City of Austin will receive $366,540 in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist homeless veterans obtain affordable housing in the Austin area. The grants, funded under the HUD-VASH program, combines HUD Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“What keeps the red, white, and blue of our flag flying high is not a strong breeze, but the strong resolve of present-day heroes serving in our armed services,” said Congressman Doggett. “Because we ask so much of our veterans, we should respond in deeds as well as words. These funds will serve the worthiest of purposes; lending a helping hand to those men and women who so bravely and selflessly stood up for the idea that America is someplace worth fighting for.”

This most recent award was largely a result of the Housing Authority of the City Austin’s success serving our Nation’s veterans. The Housing Authority has formed a productive relationship with the Department of Veteran Affairs and has streamlined services so veterans can quickly secure affordable housing. With this additional award, the Housing Authority will serve 195 veterans total.

Lisa Garcia, Vice President of Assisted Housing for the Housing Authority of the City of Austin was pleased to hear news of the funding. “The Housing Authority of the City of Austin is excited to have the opportunity to assist homeless veterans obtain affordable housing. The funds provided by HUD will assist an additional 50 homeless veterans, who can move from the streets or shelters into a stable housing situation. This grant helps subsidize the rent so it’s affordable and connect veterans with necessary services so they can thrive in the Austin Community,” she said.

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 106,558 veterans are homeless on any given night and approximately twice that many experience homelessness over the course of a year. Conservatively, one out of every three homeless men who is sleeping in a doorway, alley or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served this country. According to the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients, veterans account for 23% of all homeless people in America.