Congressional Hearing on Ending Homelessness for our Nation's Veterans

On April 9, 2008, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs held a hearing on Ending Homelessness for our Nation's Veterans. The hearing included witness testimony from experts, representatives from community based service organizations, government officials, and submissions for the record from veteran service organizations.

The hearing examined research on and causes of veteran homelessness, what is currently being done by government agencies and community based organizations to end homelessness among veterans, and explored what still needs to be done to continue and expand the success that has been shown in reducing the number of homeless veterans nationwide.

To view all statements and testimony, or view a webcast of the hearing, click here.

John Driscoll, NCHV Vice President of Operations and Programs, was among the witnesses to testify before the Committee. His testimony is also available on the NCHV website on the Testimony page.

2008 National Healthcare for the Homeless Conference

"Striving for Inclusion: Health Care, Housing, and Rights for All"

June 11-14, Phoenix, AZ

The 2008 National Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) Conference and Policy Symposium is presented by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council with grant support from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The views expressed are not necessarily those of HRSA.

Homelessness occurs when people do not share in the material goods and human relationships that make safe, comfortable, healthy lives possible. The 2008 National HCH Conference and Policy Symposium will explore ways to assure everyone's rights to the good things that life has to offer, through inclusion in the receipt of appropriate clinical care, involvement in our organizational structures, and by influencing public policy.

The Conference and Policy Symposium itself will be broadly inclusive, involving staff, clients, and Board members of HCH projects and their many community, government, and academic partners. All who are involved in the many aspects of the struggle to end homelessness are warmly invited.

View more information and register by clicking here.

Help for Maryland's Homeless Veterans

Homeless veterans in Maryland may be able to rent a home through Maryland's first-ever Veteran Rental Assistance Program (VRAP). The VRAP program will provide rental assistance and supportive services to 25 eligible homeless veterans who reside in Prince George's County as well as help veterans increase life skills and/or income, and ultimately, self-sufficiency. Interested veterans must first interview with the Department of Social Services. For more information, contact Victoria Frazer of the Prince George's Department of Social Services at 301-909-6369. For more information on benefits for Maryland's veterans, visit the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Register Now for the NCHV Annual Conference

NCHV's 12^th annual conference is rapidly approaching on June 23-25. The theme of this year's conference is "Special Challenges of a New Era," featuring speakers that will inspire, strengthen and even surprise attendees as we consider the emerging needs of a new homeless veteran demographic. 

Headquarters for the conference will be the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H Street NW, in the heart of Washington, D.C. NCHV has reserved a block of rooms for $201 each plus 14% tax; make your reservation by May 22 to assure this rate. DO NOT WAIT– for five straight years the block of rooms NCHV reserves for this conference have sold out months before the event. Be sure to identify yourself as attending the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Conference.  Reservations can be made by calling 202-582-1234 or toll-free 800-233-1234.

Conference fees are $275 for members, $350 for non-members. One day fees are $110 for members and $130 for non-members. Deadline to register without a $35 late fee is June 10.

For more information click here. 

For the registration form click here.

Grants

The mission of BJ's Charitable Foundation is the enhancement of community programs that benefit children and families in the locations served by BJ's Clubs in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia. The majority of the Foundation giving is focused on nonprofit organizations that promote the safety, security, and well-being of children and families; support education and health programs; provide community service opportunities; and aid in hunger and disaster relief. The remaining application deadlines for 2008 are May 9 and August 8. More information and application guidelines are available on the foundation website.

Masco Corporation Foundation (formerly known as the Masco Charitable Trust) was established by Masco in 1952 to achieve key corporate objectives. The Foundation is funded with contributions from Masco Corporation and supports a variety of 501(c)3 charitable organizations. In harmony with its mission to manufacture high quality, high value building and home improvement products, Masco places an emphasis on financial and in-kind product support to not-for-profit organizations that promote decent housing environments for disadvantaged, low-income families. Masco also actively supports a number of very specific arts, cultural, educational (through our matching gifts program), human service and civic initiatives in the cities where it does business or where a long-term relationship exists. Applications are accepted year round, for more information and to apply, click here.