Budget Committee Approves Corrado Bill Creating Grant Program for Homeless Veterans Shelters

The Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee has approved Senator Kristin Corrado’s legislation to provide additional support to homeless veterans in counties lacking veterans homeless shelters.

“Due to mobility issues, homeless veterans’ access to resources is often limited by their geographic location,” said Corrado (R-40). “When conditions, such as severe weather, require veterans to seek out temporary shelter, too often they find themselves isolated from shelters and other facilities that can best suit their needs. This bill would result in the development of shelters in communities that need them.”

Corrado’s legislation, S-171, would require the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs to award grants to certain southern New Jersey counties to provide veterans with improved access to homeless shelters.

Under the bill, Atlantic County, Cape May County, and Cumberland County may submit applications to the Adjutant General proposing locations for homeless veterans shelters.

“No veteran, especially those who have fallen on hard times, deserve to sleep on the streets,” added Corrado. “I am committed to ensuring these brave men and women have the access to necessary support in counties that currently do not have structures in place to provide shelter. Helping our most vulnerable veterans get back on their feet is the least we can do to thank them for their service to our great nation.”

The measure now heads to the full Senate for approval.