Cuellar announces language in bill to help homeless veterans

A bill that U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar said would encourage the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to find ways to reduce veteran homelessness on the U.S.-Mexico border was passed out of the House Appropriations Committee recently.

It now heads for a vote by the full House.

“This is a problem that hits the 28th Congressional District hard, and it is one ... Cuellar is tackling from multiple fronts given existing coordination between HUD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on a project known as HUD-VASH, which provides vouchers to homeless veterans to find housing,” a news release from Cuellar’s office states. “The language marks the first time that HUD will undertake a comprehensive approach to tackle the problem of veteran homelessness, a problem that can particularly hurt veterans trying to adjust to civilian society after the difficulties of war, up and down the U.S.-Mexico border.”

Cuellar said he is also is working to reduce homelessness in Laredo with the help of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

“This effort will cut across government agencies to ensure that every resource is being used properly to end homelessness,” the news release states.

In an appropriations bill that passed the House earlier this month, Cuellar included language encouraging the VA to seek “out more creative ways of working with local service agencies, especially in small and rural communities, to reduce veteran homelessness,” according to the release. “He also included language to help newly housed veterans furnish their new places of residence.”

Cuellar’s office said a survey taken annually by HUD has historically undercounted veterans in areas along the border, where many cross over to Mexico. For instance, HUD counted 15 homeless veterans in Laredo in its survey this year. However, the Laredo Homeless Coalition, an advocacy group, has estimated that Laredo has 107 veterans either homeless or at risk of homelessness. Laredo VA Outpatient Clinic staff is requesting an increase in HUD-VASH vouchers.

“I am disappointed that so many veterans in our area have to suffer the fate of homelessness after coming home from war,” Cuellar said. “I am concerned that we are not doing enough for those who have served our country so bravely and admirably. By including this language into the THUD appropriations bill, I hope to make sure that those who have protected our nation don’t return home empty-handed.”

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