Homeless veterans may soon find apartments through a federal program, Sen. Jack Reed said Thursday.
The East Providence Housing Authority will administer $239,000 to about 35 local veterans and their families. The veterans will receive rental vouchers worth up to $7,500.
The federal money will help dozens of Rhode Island veterans "put a roof over their heads" and get the services they need "to get back on their feet," said Reed. Other programs may follow, he said.
According to a report for the National Alliance to End Homelessness, some 200 Rhode Island veterans were homelessness in 2007. Veterans make up about 14 percent of the state's homeless population.
Under the program, case managers will work with those veterans most in need. Rental vouchers may be used to help veterans find a place to live or prevent them from being evicted. Those seeking vouchers must meet income and background requirements. They will also need a referral from a Veterans Administration Hospital.
"Our veterans have sacrificed greatly to serve our country and we need to make sure they have access to the benefits and support they earned," said Reed, an Army veteran who helped create the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program.
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