CT Lawmakers Announce Nearly $350K Grant to Help Homeless Vets
WASHINGTON – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) and SenatorsJoseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs awarded Community Renewal Team, Inc., a $349,389 grant to help low-income veterans and their families in Hartford, New Haven and Middlesex counties obtain and keep affordable housing.
The aid – part of a new Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) Program – will go to private, non-profit and consumer cooperatives that provide support to low-income veteran families who need help finding or keeping permanent housing.
"The brave men and women who have put their lives on the line to serve our country in wars past and present deserve the best support network possible throughout their lives if they fall on hard times," Congressman Larson said. "It is truly a national shame that those who have sacrificed so much for us experience homelessness. Throughout the First Congressional District and state there are a number of groups that are doing terrific work to ensure no veteran goes without a roof over their head. This grant recognizes the hard work of Community Renewal Team in East Hartford and will help them continue to serve those who have served us."
"It is unacceptable that any of our veterans, who have already given so much for our country, would also have to suffer the hardship of homelessness," Lieberman said. "Thanks to the Community Renewal Team, and with help from this grant, we are helping to ensure that Connecticut's veterans have the sense of security that they so rightfully deserve."
"While we can never fully repay our servicemen and women for their sacrifice and service to our country, we have a responsibility to them to provide them with the resources necessary to adjust to daily life upon returning from active duty, particularly in the difficult search for affordable housing," Senator Blumenthal said. "In the face of an already cumbersome housing market, this grant will serve a much needed purpose of helping our brave service men and women find homes."
Last March the lawmakers wrote a letter VA Secretary Eric Shinseki urging the SSVF to consider Community Renewal Team, Inc. for grant assistance.
Earlier this year Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth visited Hartford to discuss the VA's plan to eliminate homelessness amongst veterans.
###