A Monumental Victory: Congress Passes the DOLE Act to Support Veterans
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is thrilled to celebrate the long-awaited passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (DOLE Act). This landmark legislation represents a monumental step forward in the fight to end veteran homelessness and ensure our nation’s veterans receive the care and support they deserve.
For far too long, organizations serving veterans have faced significant challenges in meeting the growing needs of unsheltered veterans. The DOLE Act addresses these challenges head-on by empowering the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide critical resources, including essential goods, transportation, food, hotel stays, and other necessities, for homeless veterans. It also allows shelter operators to be compensated at rates closer to their actual operating costs, making these services more sustainable and impactful for the long term.
Kathryn Monet, NCHV’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed her gratitude for the bill’s passage, stating, “NCHV thanks the leadership of Congress for coming together to provide long overdue legislative relief to veterans experiencing homelessness and the organizations that serve them. The provisions within this legislation strengthen the crisis response system for veterans facing a housing crisis. Now, more communities across the country will have the resources to make veteran homelessness rare, brief, and one-time only.”
This comprehensive legislation will have far-reaching benefits for veterans and their families, as well as the providers working tirelessly to support them. In addition to addressing homelessness, the DOLE Act strengthens the disability claims process, expands access to job training and employment opportunities, improves mental health services, and eases the burdens for aging and disabled veterans needing at-home care. It is a shining example of how bipartisan collaboration can lead to meaningful change.
We extend our deepest thanks to House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, Ranking Member Mark Takano, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, and Ranking Member Jerry Moran for their steadfast leadership and determination in navigating this bill through the legislative process. Their commitment to America’s veterans ensures that those who served our country are not left behind in times of need.
NCHV also thanks the many advocates and organizations who fought alongside us to bring this vital legislation to life. In particular, we are grateful to our member organizations whose support was instrumental in advancing this bill:
– Axess Family Services
– CORT
– California Veterans Assistance Foundation
– Family & Community Services, Inc.
– HVAF of Indiana
– Operation Dignity
– Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans
– New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers
– New Visions Homeless Services
– Operation Homefront
– Riverside County Veteran Services
– Service Women’s Action Network
– Swords to Plowshares
– U.S.VETS
– USVETS Inglewood
– Veterans Inc.
The passage of the DOLE Act signals a brighter future for thousands of veterans and their families, offering hope, dignity, and a pathway to stability. We now look forward to President Biden signing this bill into law, cementing its promise of transformative change.
As we celebrate this victory, we remain steadfast in our mission to end veteran homelessness. With the tools and resources provided by the DOLE Act, we are more determined than ever to ensure that every veteran has a place to call home. Together, we can achieve a future where veteran homelessness is not only rare and brief but eradicated entirely.