Bill Overview
Title: To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for, and extend authorization of, certain programs for homeless veterans.
Description: This bill extends authorization through FY2027 and expands veteran eligibility for certain Department of Veterans Affairs programs for homeless or seriously mentally ill veterans, including (1) outreach services; (2) care, treatment, and rehabilitative services; and (3) therapeutic transitional housing assistance. The bill also extends through FY2027 a program to provide additional services for homeless veterans at certain centers.
Sponsors: Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-36]
Target Audience
Population: Homeless or seriously mentally ill veterans requiring assistance
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill targets veterans, a specific segment of the population defined by service in the military.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau and other reports, there are approximately 18 million veterans in the United States.
- Homeless veterans are a subset of the veteran population. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates that approximately 11% of the homeless adult population are veterans in the United States.
- Based on past reports, the number of homeless veterans in the U.S. is estimated to be around 40,000 to 50,000 individuals.
- The bill focuses on both homeless veterans and those that are seriously mentally ill, further narrowing the target group.
Reasoning
- The policy targets homeless and seriously mentally ill veterans—a small subset of the total veteran population.
- Given the number of individuals targeted is around 50,000, and the budget is $225,000,000 in the first year, the average funding per individual is approximately $4,500.
- However, considering the diverse needs among this group (housing, mental health services, etc.), not every veteran in need will experience the same level of impact.
- The policy's effect will be heterogenous based on regional distribution, service availability, and individual circumstances.
- The expansion of eligibility could increase program reach, improving scores for those not currently served, but constrained resources might limit impact otherwise.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Military (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have been struggling to find stable housing for years now. The expansion of programs sounds promising, but I'm skeptical about whether it will reach me and people in my situation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Freelance Graphic Designer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's great to see more support for those who need it most. I’m not impacted currently, but it’s comforting to know these programs exist.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Unemployed (Rural Oklahoma)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been waiting for any help with my mental health. I live far from big centers, so outreach services would be a godsend. However, I fear rural areas might be neglected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Park Ranger (New York, NY)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the program will be great for those still fighting bigger battles at home. I don’t need such services now, but knowing they can help prevent homelessness is reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Staff Nurse (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've recently lost my home due to medical bills. Programs that can get me back to stable housing quickly will be life-changing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Mechanic (Houston, TX)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’ve been through therapies before, but consistent assistance has been lacking. Better and more available mental health services through this bill could keep folks like me stable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Retail Worker (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the expanded eligibility criteria mean I will finally qualify for transitional housing. It's hard out here without support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Student (Denver, CO)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although I don't need help at the moment, the increase in services for those who fought for us is necessary and benefits everyone in the long run.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Unemployed (Miami, FL)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this can fill the gaps, especially in flexible housing solutions, which are often limited. It might save my situation from worsening.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Boston, MA)
Age: 59 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’ve been off and on the streets for years. Extended care might finally offer a chance for meaningful recovery.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $225000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $250000000)
Year 2: $235000000 (Low: $210000000, High: $260000000)
Year 3: $245000000 (Low: $220000000, High: $270000000)
Year 5: $265000000 (Low: $240000000, High: $290000000)
Year 10: $315000000 (Low: $290000000, High: $340000000)
Year 100: $615000000 (Low: $590000000, High: $640000000)
Key Considerations
- The target population of 50,000 homeless or seriously mentally ill veterans is a significant driver of costs.
- The expansion of eligibility may lead to increased demand for services over time.
- Operational challenges, such as the availability of qualified providers, may impact program expenses.