December 22, 2022

Wyden, Merkley: Homeless Veterans in Willamette Valley to Receive Federal Housing Vouchers

HUD-VASH vouchers will help Salem and Linn, Benton and Lane counties secure housing and services for veterans

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that homeless veterans in the city of Salem as well as in Linn, Benton and Lane counties will receive a total of nearly $700,000 in federal vouchers to help them secure affordable housing and have access to support service from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Veterans who served our country fully deserve our support when they return home to Oregon to live and work,” Wyden said. “Every veteran has earned the right to expect that support to include housing, and I’ll keep battling for veterans across Oregon and our country to have a roof over their heads and a floor under their feet.”

“We are all in debt to our veterans for their service, yet too many veterans struggle to find affordable housing in Oregon,” said Senator Merkley. “I am happy these housing vouchers will be available to homeless veterans, and I will keep working to ensure our service members have the resources and support needed when they come home.” 

The $693,093 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program will be distributed as follows:

  • Housing Authority & Community Services of Lane County, $366,216
  • Housing Authority of Salem, $183,924
  • Linn-Benton Housing Authority, $142,923

“LBHA is extremely honored to have the opportunity to serve the veterans in our communities of Linn County and Benton County,” said Donna Holt, Executive Director, Linn-Benton Housing Authority. “This grant will provide homeless veterans with affordable housing options as well as supportive services at a time when housing need is at a record high. A grant such as this, sends the message to our veterans that we honor and respect the sacrifices they have made for our country.