Congresswoman Nikema Williams Leads Bipartisan Effort to Address Homelessness for Veterans

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) announced the introduction of the Return Home to Housing Act, bipartisan legislation that addresses homelessness for veterans. Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Claudia Tenney (NY-24) joined Congresswoman Williams in leading the introduction of the Return Home Housing Act. 

The Return Home to Housing Act will raise the maximum allowable rate that the Department of Veterans Affairs can reimburse to service providers for supplying transitional housing to unhoused veterans. By ensuring they can get adequately reimbursed for their costs, this bill will help housing providers supply more housing to unhoused veterans in need.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said: 

“I will never stop working to increase access to dignified housing for everyone, especially those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our democracy. America owes our veterans the guarantee they will have a roof over their heads. The Return Home to Housing Act will help honor our obligation to veterans facing housing injustice in Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District and across the country.”

Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) said: 

“U.S. service members volunteer to enter the line of fire in order to secure our freedoms and the very least we can do is ensure they are taken care of when they return home. This bill will expand access to housing for veterans, making what can be a difficult transition to civilian life a little easier. I am proud to co-lead this bill with Congresswoman Williams so that we can provide for those who have protected us.” 

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) said: 

“Everyone – especially those who have served our country – should be able to afford a roof over their head. Yet, San Diego County has one of the largest populations of veterans experiencing homelessness in the country. The Return Home to Housing Act will ensure that we can provide more veterans with safe, transitional housing as we continue to push for housing that’s permanent, safe, and affordable.”

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) said: 

“Veterans who served their country should never have to contend with homelessness. Through greater awareness, support, and targeted investments, we can end this scourge. I’m honored to partner with Congresswoman Williams on a bipartisan bill to tackle this issue by ensuring organizations dedicated to this fight have the necessary resources to help homeless veterans. I will always back our heroes, who have served and sacrificed so much on our behalf.”

The Return Home to Housing Act is endorsed by several organizations including: the American Legion, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, National Alliance to End Homelessness, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

Kathryn Monet, CEO of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans said: 

“For many unsheltered veterans, VA’s Grant and Per Diem Program has funded shelters that have been a key stop on the path back to stable housing. Organizations operating these programs have long been underfunded and requirements for safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic have added to that financial burden. The Return Home to Housing Act would make sure that veterans will continue to have access to high quality supportive services and shelter on the path to permanent housing. NCHV applauds Representative Williams’ introduction of this critical piece of legislation and urges Congress to pass the bill without delay.”

Patrick Murray, National Legislative Director of Veterans of Foreign Wars said: 

“The Veterans of Foreign Wars supports the Return Home to Housing Act to help reduce veteran homelessness. Eliminating roadblocks will help allow veterans to fully utilize the programs VA offers in order to maintain stable housing.” 

Click here for the text of the Return Home to Housing Act. 

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov 

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