Sky Valley Chronicle: Grant money awarded to Wash. state groups to address homelessness among military vets

Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced on Friday that nearly $1.5 million in federal grants have been awarded to two Washington organizations to support their work to prevent homelessness among veterans.

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington received $784,064 and the Opportunity Council received $698,771 through the Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.

The program supports organizations’ work to provide housing, outreach and other support services to veterans and their families.

“Too many veterans in Western Washington do not know where they will sleep from night to night,” said Larsen, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. “These resources will enable local organizations to expand their work to provide veterans and their families with critical services such as housing and employment.”

Catholic Community Services in Snohomish County served more than 90 veterans and their families in the last year through Supportive Services for Veteran’s Families (SSVF) program, according to Will Rice, Vice President of Catholic Community Services of Washington.

“The funding for this program provides essential services for homeless veterans living unsheltered or at risk for homelessness in Snohomish County...(it) fills the gaps in the existing veteran’s service continuum in Snohomish County," said Rice.

Catholic Community Services serves veterans in Snohomish County, and the Opportunity Council serves veterans in Island, Skagit, Whatcom and San Juan Counties.