Kilmer Provision to Help Homeless Native American Veterans Passes House
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer’s (WA-06) provision to help Native American veterans facing homelessness passed the House of Representatives. The Housing Native Heroes Act will give tribes across the nation increased access to the successful HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.
Kilmer’s provision was included as part of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) reauthorization that passed the House by a voice vote. The reauthorization now goes to the Senate for consideration. HUD-VASH helps veterans find housing by issuing vouchers while providing additional resources to address homelessness.
“Everyone who serves this country deserves a roof over his or her head,” said Kilmer. “Unfortunately, too many tribal veterans who sacrificed on our behalf find shelter under bridges and overpasses rather than in a home. This bipartisan provision will tackle homelessness among Native American veterans head-on by giving tribes the same authority that other governments have to utilize a housing program that has proved effective in addressing homelessness.”
If enacted, five percent of HUD-VASH funds would be available to Native American veterans so they can access vital rental assistance, case management, and clinical services. Currently, tribal housing entities are not eligible to receive the HUD-VASH housing vouchers that connect veterans with homes.
According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Native Americans make up two percent of the military while comprising less than one percent of the general U.S. population. The Census Bureau also reports that there are more than 100,000 Native American residents in Washington state. 11 federally recognized tribes are located in or near Rep. Kilmer’s 6th District.
Since his arrival in Congress Kilmer has been a strong advocate for tribes, leading bipartisan bills to address challenges facing tribal communities. In 2013, Kilmer originally introduced the Housing Native Heroes Act in 2013 and also the Adoption Tax Credit Tribal Parity Act with 20 bipartisan cosponsors to provide parents who adopt Native American children with special needs the same tax credit as other families receive.
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