Pvt Charles J Shutt Detachment VAVS

Homeless veterans and those who help them
received a significant boost in their efforts when the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) made 55 new awards to public and private
nonprofit organizations that assist homeless veterans.

"It's important that VA continue to help our nation's homeless veterans,
many of whom are still dealing with the effects of past conflicts," said
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "These awards provide
needed resources to hard working, caring and compassionate people who
provide one-on-one care and services to our veterans every day in their
own communities."

Today's announcement of awards to 55 community-based organizations in
24 states will add over 1,000 transitional housing beds to the 9,400
beds already available for homeless veterans because of VA grants for
the homeless.

VA has the largest integrated network of homeless assistance programs in
the country. It is the only federal agency that provides substantial
one-on-one contact with the homeless. In many cities and rural areas,
VA social workers and other clinicians conduct extensive outreach
programs, clinical assessments, medical treatment, alcohol and drug
abuse counseling and employment assistance.

Last year, VA committed more resources than at any time in its history
for programs benefiting homeless veterans. The Department committed $26
million in new funding to support about 2,000 new transitional housing
beds, $12 million for seriously mentally ill veterans, terminally ill
veterans, frail elderly veterans and women veterans, to include women
with children, and $2 million for other programs.

VA has provided more than $350 million in grants and per diem payments
since it initiated the Grant and Per Diem Program in 1994.

Since 1988, VA has partnered with hundreds of communities to support
more than 1,500 "Stand Downs" across the nation. Stand Downs give
homeless veterans a temporary refuge where they can obtain food,
shelter, clothing and a range of community and VA assistance. For more
information on VA's homeless programs, see http://www.va.gov/homeless/.

VA operates the nation's largest integrated health care system, with 153
hospitals, more than 800 clinics, 135 nursing homes and 47
domiciliaries, treating about 1 million patients each week.

For more information, visit the VA website at www.va.gov