U.S. Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a bipartisan bill Feb. 9 to improve how local case management services are provided to homeless veterans through a collaborative federal program.
Rep. Mace co-sponsored the HUD VASH Case Manager Act, HR 6677, alongside the bill’s sponsor, U.S. Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA), which would amend federal law to change eligibility requirements for collaborating entities with the VA Secretary to provide case management services. to homeless veterans through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development-United States Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH).
“This bill allows the VA the flexibility to hire local case managers,” Rep. Mace said. “We are always looking for ways to improve services for veterans, and this bill will help the VA attract more qualified and experienced social workers, thereby optimizing our programs for those who have served our country.”
The HUD-VASH program website states that the program combines rental assistance from HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management and support services for homeless veterans. These services help veterans and their families find and maintain permanent housing and access health care, mental health treatment, addictions counseling and other supports to help them through their recovery process and maintain their housing.
Although successful, annual reports show that the HUD-VASH program faces challenges in recruiting and retaining case managers, who are integral to running the program with maximum effectiveness, according to information provided by HUD-VASH staff. representing Mace.
HR 6677 has been referred to both the US House Veterans Affairs Committee and the US House Financial Services Committee for review.
Comments are closed.