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Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced the grant Monday from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The funds will be used to provide HUD-VASH vouchers for 76 homeless veterans in Connecticut. The vouchers will offer permanent supportive housing to veterans who have experienced homelessness.
“Our nation’s veterans, whether they are just returning home or have been out for years, deserve access to quality housing, good healthcare, and career opportunities,” Malloy said.
“We have done more on housing over the past several years than Connecticut has done in decades. ... We have an opportunity to make a significant impact to improve the lives of those who have given so much for their country, and I am confident that we can reach our goal of ending chronic homelessness among veterans.”
Last year, Malloy joined the Obama Administration’s goal of ending homelessness among veterans by the end of 2015. In January, Malloy announced that the state was chosen to join the Zero:2016 initiative – a national effort to combat veteran homelessness.
“These federal vouchers are an important part of our mission to end chronic veteran homelessness in Connecticut,” Connecticut Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne Klein said. “Our veterans are an important part of our community, and it’s important to recognize their individual needs and help those who have fallen on hard times to get back on their feet. These vouchers will help us to accomplish just that.”
Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Sean Connolly said that many veterans and their families face significant challenges, including homelessness. “This grant for additional vouchers will go along toward serving the great veterans of the State of Connecticut and their families," Connolly said. "Those who have selflessly served our state and nation deserve no less.”
The funding announced for Connecticut includes:
- Connecticut Department of Housing: $375,178
- Hartford Housing Authority: $76,630
- Norwalk Housing Authority: $135,527
- West Haven Housing Authority: $111,942
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, advocated for the funding.
“On any given night, more than 300 veterans are homeless in our state, unacceptable evidence that our nation has a long way to go in meeting the needs of our veterans," Blumenthal said. "These latest funds are a down payment toward fulfilling those broken promises—ensuring that homeless veterans not only receive a safe and affordable roof over their heads, but that they have the sustained, supportive services they need to address the chronic conditions that caused their homelessness in the first place."
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