Jacobs, Mace Introduce Legislation to Improve Rental Assistance Program for Veterans
Ending Veteran Homelessness Act would provide data on effectiveness of Shallow Subsidies, help Congress permanently expand the program
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) has introduced the bipartisan Ending Veteran Homelessness Act, legislation to study the effectiveness of the Shallow Subsidy rental assistance program for veterans and to provide Congress with the data necessary to permanently expand the program. Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC-01) is the co-lead on the legislation.
Launched in 2020 as part of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), the Shallow Subsidy program provides rental assistance to low-income veteran households who are enrolled in SSVF’s Rapid Rehousing or Homelessness Prevention projects. The SSVF Shallow Subsidy initiative covers up to 35% of eligible veterans’ rent for two years.
The legislation from Congresswomen Jacobs and Mace, H.R. 5624, would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit a report to Congress on the impact of the Shallow Subsidy program. This legislation is supported by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
“The Ending Veteran Homelessness Act is incredibly important legislation for San Diego’s veteran community and for veterans across the country, and I’m proud to introduce this bill with Congresswoman Mace. Rental assistance from the VA can be the difference between homelessness and permanent housing and we know that San Diego’s housing crisis affects veteran families acutely. I’m proud to be leading the effort to make sure we’re supporting our low-income veterans and doing right by those who have served,” said Congresswoman Jacobs.
“Homelessness in the veteran community continues to be an issue. Knowing what programs work and identifying those that don’t, will help us be better equipped to tackle this ongoing problem,” said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. “This bill provides better oversight, by collecting the latest data and information, through expanding the Shallow Subsidy program. Veterans put their life on the line to protect this country and now it is time we ensure their livelihoods are protected as well.”
According to recent data, San Diego has the 8th highest average rental costs in the country. San Diego County is home to more than 217,000 veterans, with approximately 51,000 living in the 53rd District. According to a recent report by the California Senate Housing Committee, 31% of all veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States reside in California. Approximately 10% of those experiencing homelessness in San Diego County are veterans.
Originally implemented in a small number of high-cost locations, including San Diego, the Shallow Subsidy program is now temporarily available for one year in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan.
Under the Ending Veteran Homelessness Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs will report to Congress on the SSVF Shallow Subsidy program on the following matters:
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An assessment on the feasibility of expanding the program nationally permanently;
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The total number of veterans and families served; with disaggregated data on race and ethnic background, gender, geographic location, and age;
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The program’s support for special populations, including elderly veterans, women veterans, disabled veterans, and minority veterans;
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A description of the Department of Veterans Affairs decision-making process for which locations would be eligible for the program in the future;
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An assessment on whether an increase in the payment rate is necessary;
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An assessment on the efficacy of the current program and the number of veterans transitioned into permanent housing.
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