Van Hollen, Leggett Announce Additional Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers for Montgomery County

Statement

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett announced that Montgomery County has been granted 15 additional Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The County has received 80 VASH vouchers over the past four years.

"VASH vouchers have had proven success in Montgomery County and across the country, and I'm pleased to announce that 15 additional veterans will have access to this critical program," said Congressman Van Hollen. "There are approximately 9,000 homeless veterans in the United States, which is simply unacceptable. We must do everything in our power to care for our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our nation. These vouchers enable homeless veterans in our community to afford housing, live in dignity, and access the benefits that they deserve."

County Executive Isiah Leggett stated that he is very grateful that the Veterans Administration and HUD recognized Montgomery County's needs. "These 15 vouchers will allow additional veterans in Montgomery County to obtain the housing that they deserve and have earned."

BACKGROUND:

Montgomery County, MD has been at the forefront of helping homeless veterans. Congressman Van Hollen, Montgomery Country Executive Isiah Leggett, and the County's Commission on Veterans Affairs have been strong advocates of this program.

This supportive housing assistance is provided through the HUD-VASH Program, which combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by VA. The $196,835 grant for Montgomery County is part of $75 million appropriated this year to support the housing needs of homeless veterans. In Montgomery County, the Housing Opportunities Commission provides rental assistance to homeless veterans while nearby VA Medical Centers offer supportive services and case management.

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