WASHINGTON – An attempt by the Department of Veterans Affairs late last year to reduce funding to a veterans housing program has created a lingering rift between the agency and veterans advocates.
Concerns over how the VA is prioritizing housing programs was evident Thursday, when members of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs heard from nonprofit groups that help house homeless veterans. The same groups spoke up in December, when they discovered VA Secretary David Shulkin wanted to reallocate $460 million specifically geared toward the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program. Through the program, the VA provides case management for veterans who receive housing vouchers from HUD.
Outcry from advocates and lawmakers led Shulkin to back track on his decision. But leaders of several nonprofit groups told congressmen Thursday that they’re still concerned it could happen again.
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