DeLauro Announces Federal Funding for Columbus House, Inc.

DeLauro Announces Federal Funding for Columbus House, Inc.

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today announced a grant in the amount of $774,895 from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs for Columbus House, Inc. of New Haven . The funding will be used to acquire and renovate a building at 470 Howard Avenue , New Haven . Once completed, the structure will serve as transitional housing that will provide 12 beds for homeless veterans.

"This funding speaks volumes to our commitment to America 's veterans and to Columbus House's efforts to reduce homelessness in the New Haven area," said DeLauro. "It is a national tragedy that so many Americans are homeless, and it is a national shame that so much of our homeless population comes from the ranks of America's veterans. We have a moral obligation to provide for those who have served our country so honorably."

It is impossible to track accurate numbers on homeless veterans, but the Veterans' Administration estimates that nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. More than half a million experience homelessness over the course of a year. To combat this growing problem, the Veterans' Administration will award approximately $11.56 million to 52 programs in 27 states and Puerto Rico this year. Funds will support a total of 811 beds and the purchase of eighteen vans for outreach to or transportation of homeless veterans. The award for Columbus House, Inc. announced today was part of this competitive funding source.

Since 1981, Columbus House, Inc. has provided services to end homelessness in the New Haven region, and to understand the root causes of homelessness. For more information on the group, please click here: http://www.columbushouse.org/.

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/November/Columbus_House_11_14_06.html