Wyden, Merkley Announce More than $2 Million to Help Homeless Veterans
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that housing authorities in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas and Marion counties will receive more than $2 million to provide homeless veterans with rental assistance.
The 249 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enable homeless veterans in the four counties to get access to affordable housing as well as to supportive services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
“Oregonians who have served our country deserve our support if they are struggling to afford shelter when they return home,” Wyden said. “These vouchers will help to fulfill that commitment to veterans needing a safe and dependable place to live.”
“No one who has fought for our country overseas should return home to sleep on the streets or in a homeless shelter,” Merkley said. “These vouchers will provide important support for housing and services for some of our most vulnerable community members.”
"Washington County, and the veterans we serve, certainly appreciate the continued support of Senators Wyden and Merkley in securing these additional housing vouchers," said Komi Kalevor, Washington County's director of housing services. "These new vouchers will be life-changing for local veterans and their families, who can now receive secure housing, and the support services they need."
The $2.06 million will be distributed as follows:
- Housing Authority of Portland (which serves all of Multnomah County): $1.36 million, 159 vouchers
- Housing Authority of Clackamas County: $284,602, 30 vouchers
- Housing Authority of Washington County, $276,033, 30 vouchers
- Marion County Housing Authority, $136,315, 30 vouchers
The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to award additional vouchers to public housing authorities during a second round by the end of the calendar year.
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