To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to entities that furnish services to homeless veterans.
This bill would expand the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) authority to award grants to organizations that provide services to homeless veterans. Specifically, it adds two new authorized grant purposes: (5) helping veterans obtain any VA benefits for which they may be eligible; and (6) helping obtain and coordinate other benefits—from federal, state, or local government programs, or from private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives (as defined in section 2044). In addition, the criteria for grant consideration are broadened to explicitly allow converting facilities to permanent housing as part of alterations to existing facilities. The overall aim is to improve access to VA and non-VA benefits and to support more stable housing solutions for homeless veterans through partnerships with community groups and other service providers. The bill was introduced in the House on April 24, 2025, sponsored by Mrs. Ramirez and Mr. Kennedy of New York, and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. It does not yet become law and would need to pass Congress and be signed by the President.
Key Points
- 1Expands VA grant purposes to include assisting homeless veterans in obtaining VA benefits they may be eligible for.
- 2Adds assistance in obtaining and coordinating benefits from federal, state/local governments, or private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives.
- 3Broadens the definition of eligible grant activities to include the conversion of existing facilities into permanent housing (in addition to alterations).
- 4Maintains focus on entities that furnish services to homeless veterans (e.g., nonprofits, charities, and similar organizations).
- 5Status: introduced in the House, referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; not yet enacted.