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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The North Dakota Coalition of Homeless People will receive a 2,472 grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Congressman Kevin Cramer said the funding is being awarded to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives providing services to low-income veteran families who are living in or transitioning to permanent housing.

Cramer said, “It is tragic we still have many veterans in North Dakota and around the country who don’t have a place to call home,” Cramer added, “The VA is taking a good approach in empowering state and local organizations to address this unacceptable problem. They know their communities best and are most effective in helping to end homelessness.”

North Dakota Senator John Hoeven said, “Our veterans and their families have sacrificed much defending and protecting our nation,” He added “We need to do all we can to show our appreciation for their service. This federal grant will help provide much needed housing options for veterans and their families in need.”

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has been working to provide better care and services for North Dakota veterans. 

Hoeven continues to lead the effort to ensure that veterans can access a nearby health care provider if their local Community Based Outpatient Clinic or VA Medical Center cannot provide the required service. He met recently with newly confirmed VA Secretary Robert McDonald to press for his support to implement policies administratively that would allow veterans more options for health care and long-term care services in their home communities. 

The 2013 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, estimates there are 241 homeless veterans living in North Dakota.