WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., Don Davis NC-01, Rob Bresnahan, R-Pa., and Jimmy Panetta, R-Calif., introduced the Simplifying Veterans Assistance Act to address complications with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program application process.
The VA GPD program provides funding to community organizations that offer transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. This program has helped countless veterans across the country achieve financial and housing stability, ultimately leading to self-determination and independence. Unfortunately, many community organizations serving homeless veteran populations are unable to access this program due to a complicated application process, unnecessary bureaucratic red tape and a lack of communication from the VA.
The Simplifying Veterans Assistance Act will direct the VA to provide guidance and best practices for entities applying for grants through the GPD program. The bill also ensures the VA provides at least two informational sessions so that eligible organizations can better understand the application process, ask questions and receive additional support directly from VA staff.
“We must equip organizations serving veterans with the tools they need to assist veterans experiencing homelessness,” Thompson said. “This bipartisan legislation guarantees the VA will communicate with organizations in our communities so they can better serve our veterans. By providing clear guidance, we can ensure that no veteran is left behind due to bureaucratic obstacles.”
“Community agencies dedicated to caring for homeless veterans should not be hindered from assisting them by difficult grant processes,” Bresnahan said. “These groups provide shelter and support for our nation’s heroes, and they deserve the same access to grants and resources as any other organization, regardless of their experience with per diem grants or whether they can afford a grants writer. I thank my colleague, Rep. Thompson, for calling attention to this issue and for providing a solution for veterans and the community agencies they depend on.”
The bill, the entire text of which is available online, is supported by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
