Future Caucus Co-chair Jacobs Introduces the 2021 Ending Veteran Homelessness Act
October 19, 2021
HR5624, the Ending Homelessness Act of 2021 is a bipartisan piece of legislation which directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a congressional report on the Shallow Subsidy program under the supportive services for veteran families program. It was introduced on October 19th, 2021 by Future Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-53) and is cosponsored by Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-1).
HR5624, the Ending Homelessness Act of 2021, was introduced on October 19th, 2021 by Future Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-53). The bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-1), and directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a congressional report on the Shallow Subsidy program under the supportive services for veteran families program.
The Shallow Subsidy Initiative was launched in 2020 as part of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), a program funded by The American Rescue Plan. SSVF provides grants to selected private non-profit organizations in order to assist very low-income veteran families residing in or transitioning to permanent housing. Shallow subsidies provide rental assistance to low-income veteran households enrolled in SSVF’s programs, and can cover up to 35% of eligible veteran’s rent for two years.
HR5624 would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide data on the effectiveness of shallow subsidies, providing a basis for Congress to permanently expand the program. The report would also include a description of support provided to special populations under the program, including elderly veterans, women veterans, children of veterans, disabled veterans, veterans transitioning from certain institutions, and minority veterans.
“Homelessness in the veteran community continues to be an issue. Knowing what programs work, and identifying those that don’t, will help us be better equipped to tackle this ongoing problem. Veterans put their life on the line to protect this country and now it is time we ensure their livelihoods are protected as well.” said Congresswoman Mace. “Rental assistance from the VA can be the difference between homelessness and permanent housing and we know that San Diego’s housing crisis affects veteran families acutely,” added Congresswoman Jacobs, tying in the particular relevance of this bill to her home district in Southern California. Nationally, median rent has increased by 16.4 percent from January of this year; this bill would bolster support for veterans in the face of ballooning housing uncertainty.
This legislation is active in the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and has been endorsed by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Join 1,800+ BIPARTISAN LEADERS NATIONWIDE
Be a part of a network of lawmakers committed to governing effectively, passing more representative public policy, and increasing public trust in democracy.