Press Releases

Today, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announced that two separate grants have been awarded to the Commission on Economic Opportunity, Wilkes-Barre.  The grants, awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), total $627,486.

“No one who has fought for our nation in uniform should have to fight for a roof over their head when they return to civilian life,” said Cartwright. “Too many of our nation’s heroes live every day without shelter. This is a disgrace, and we must do better. This grant will ease the transition to civilian life for Northeastern Pennsylvania’s veterans in need and help make sure they can get a home and support their family.”  

The grants are part of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program that supports the VA’s efforts to prevent at-risk Veterans from becoming homeless and rapidly re-house those who have recently fallen into homelessness.  Grantees will provide a range of services that promote housing stability and play a key role in connecting Veterans and their family members to VA services such as mental health care and other benefits.

“At a time when veteran homelessness is sky-rocketing, we must do everything in our power to protect those who have protected us,” said Cartwright.

This is the third year SSVF grants have helped Veterans and their families find or remain in their homes.  Last year, VA provided about $100 million to assist approximately 50,000 Veterans and family members.  Nearly 90 percent of the Veterans who completed the program in 2012 transitioned to permanent housing.