Policy & Legislation
Assembly Committee Pushes for New Affordable Rental-Home Program for Veterans
June 11, 2008
The Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee held an informational hearing on June 4, 2008, dedicated to the topic of "Housing California's Veterans." Witnesses from the state departments of mental health, housing and community development and veterans affairs (CDVA) reported on state programs that provide homes and services for vets. Advocates from Vietnam Veterans of California, Swords to Plowshares, Corporation for Supportive Housing , and Housing California also spoke. They focused on the need to increase resources available to community-based service providers and nonprofit developers to build and maintain affordable homes with services for lower-income veterans.
Paramount to the hearing was a discussion of how CDVA's housing resources are mismatched to the needs of California's veterans. CDVA administers the Cal Vets Home program to assist veterans with homeownership, but does nothing to address the majority of California veterans who need affordable rental homes.
Committee chair Mary Salas noted "Most veterans in California cannot afford to purchase a home." Salas is advocating for CDVA to administer a new rental-home program targeting veterans. She also pressed CDVA on why their 2007 strategic plan does nothing to address homeless veterans, despite the fact they comprise 25 percent of California's homeless population.
The committee is pursuing several legislative solutions to allow CDVA to create more affordable rental homes for veterans. Additionally, discussions continue between state departments and advocates about creating and financing the veterans' rental-home program.
Contact: Zack Olmstead, (916) 447-0503 x 108 or .
