WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) have announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently awarded 10 veterans-assistance programs that operate in Maryland a total of more than $10.8 million to help better address the needs of homeless veterans. The federal grants come from the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program – an initiative designed to prevent homelessness by bolstering outreach, case management and other crucial services to low-income veteran families. It is part of the VA “Housing First Strategy,” which aims to help vulnerable veterans secure and remain in permanent housing. The program recently announced $300 million in federal grants nationwide to battle veteran homelessness.

“It is unacceptable that any American – particularly our nation’s veterans – should experience homelessness. No one who fought for our nation in uniform should ever have to fight for a roof over their head,” said Senator Cardin. “We have an obligation to support and fight for our men and women on the home front just as they do for us on the battlefield. I’m proud of these organizations – proud of the good work they do across our state to honor our veterans’ service and ensure they receive the support they deserve.”

“I believe the support we provide our military in the field must be matched by support for our veterans at home,” Senator Mikulski said. “I recently met with homeless veterans in Baltimore. I heard first-hand the importance of having a roof over their heads as they work to get back on their feet. These federal funds will give Maryland veterans a helping hand providing critical housing and support services they’ve earned and deserve. Because promises made must be promises kept.”

Since the launch of the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in 2010 – of which SSVF is a key element – veteran homelessness has declined 47 percent, with more than 360,000 veterans and their families permanently housed or rapidly re-housed. The grant recipients listed below are part of that ongoing effort.

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