DELAURO, MURPHY ANNOUNCE $160,866 FOR WATERBURY VA

Washington, DC— Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) and Chris Murphy (CT-5) announced a $160,866 Housing and Urban Development- Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) award to the Waterbury Housing Association today.

The HUD-VASH program combines rental assistance for homeless veterans coupled with case management and clinic assistance provided by the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) medical centers. Approximately 20 percent of the adult homeless population is made up of veterans, and an estimated 1.5 million additional veterans are considered to be at risk for homelessness due to lack of support, poverty, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or poor quality housing.

"We have an obligation to the brave men and women that have served our country and these critical funds will help many of the veterans who live in our communities. It is a national tragedy that so many of our citizens are homeless and that so many are veterans," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "This grant will help our homeless veterans in these tough economic times, providing the shelter and the support they need."

"This is great news for local veterans," said Congressman Murphy. "Our service men and women have put their lives on the line for us and deserve the very best care when they return. We've made great progress on this issue by bringing more than 100 housing vouchers to Connecticut in the past three years, but even one homeless veteran is one too many, and I will continue to work to make sure every veteran receives the care they've earned."