Lee Metcalf: “I rise in support of H.R. 217 and its goal of giving local communities greater flexibility in reducing homelessness. I…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 217 and its goal of giving local communities greater flexibility in reducing homelessness. I was concerned about homeless veterans before I arrived in Congress. I am pleased now to be able to do something for them. Over the past 3 years, I have introduced legislation to help veteran advocacy groups compete for Stewart McKinney funds. In 1996, HUD funded 1,100 projects for a total of $713 million. Of the projects funded, only 48 projects equaling $25 million were designed primarily for homeless veterans. That is only $25 million for homeless veterans out of $713 million. Yet the number of homeless veterans is estimated to be 20 to 30 percent of the homeless population. We need more help for homeless veterans. H.R. 217 includes an amendment that I offered with the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Kennedy) to give veteran advocacy groups an opportunity to participate in local advisory boards. These boards will create and coordinate the community's housing plan. In addition, homeless veterans will be considered a special needs population, which makes them one of the targeted populations for services in housing. Lastly, this amendment requires better reporting from HUD and its grantees concerning veterans.”