Bill Overview
Title: End Veteran Homelessness Act
Description: This bill expands eligibility for and makes other changes to a supportive housing program for veterans. Under current law, the program provides housing vouchers to homeless veterans with chronic mental illnesses or substance use disorders and requires veterans to be assigned case managers. This bill (1) permits veterans who are formerly homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to also receive the vouchers, and (2) requires the assignment of a case manager only if the veteran is determined to need case management.
Sponsors: Rep. O'Halleran, Tom [D-AZ-1]
Target Audience
Population: veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
Estimated Size: 400000
- The bill specifically targets veterans who are either homeless or at risk of being homeless.
- Currently, there are over 19 million veterans in the United States.
- According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as of January 2020, 37,252 veterans were experiencing homelessness on any given night.
- Including those at risk of homelessness increases the potential size of the affected population.
- The addition of those who are formerly homeless expands the potential target population even further.
Reasoning
- The policy is tailored to address housing stability for veterans, a vulnerable section that includes both those currently homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.
- Given the target population of up to 400,000 veterans, with a budget allocation over ten years, the policy can potentially provide significant support, impacting individuals on varying scales depending on their initial circumstances.
- The interviews will reveal diverse responses reflecting the variation in how veterans experience the immediate and long-term influences of receiving housing assistance and support like case management.
- We expect to capture scenarios from high impact where individuals are lifted from homelessness, to low or no impact for those already stable and not requiring intervention.
Simulated Interviews
retired (California)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Receiving a housing voucher would mean the world to me. I've been on the streets for 2 years now, and it's tough.
- Being able to see a doctor regularly because I would have a stable address could really help with my PTSD.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
part-time cashier (Texas)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm constantly anxious about making rent each month. A voucher could be life-changing for me and my daughter.
- Knowing I might not need a case manager unless I really need one gives me relief that it's not overly intrusive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
unemployed (New York)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've managed to get back on my feet with temporary housing, but I always worry about what's next.
- Knowing the voucher could still be available to me gives a sense of security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
community organizer (Illinois)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a much-needed step. Even though I'm not directly affected, I've seen so many fellow veterans struggle with housing.
- It's critical that the support is extended, especially those at risk of becoming homeless.
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 |
student (Florida)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a student relying on family, knowing there’s potential help if things go south is reassuring.
- I feel more secure now about pursuing my education and contributing to society.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
retired (Virginia)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this act will do wonders for the younger veterans struggling today.
- While I feel I am fortunate, I know this would have changed the trajectory of long-gone friends.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
construction worker (Arizona)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Losing my home was a lot to handle. The potential for assistance through this act makes me hopeful for stability.
- Balancing work out of a shelter is tough, this policy could create a lifeline.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 1 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 1 |
freelance writer (Michigan)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate knowing the safety net exists for veterans, even if I'm not presently a direct beneficiary.
- This policy seems like it has good potential to ease the minds of many who are constantly worried.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
nurse (Nevada)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- High medical bills can derail my life pretty quickly, this bill might prevent that.
- The idea of reduced case management only if needed is reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
IT consultant (New Jersey)
Age: 49 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having transitioned out of homelessness years ago, I know this policy can uplift lives.
- Making case management optional based on need seems very practical.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $400000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $500000000)
Year 2: $420000000 (Low: $315000000, High: $525000000)
Year 3: $450000000 (Low: $340000000, High: $560000000)
Year 5: $500000000 (Low: $375000000, High: $625000000)
Year 10: $600000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $750000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The cost estimates assume efficiency in the voucher allocation process and that not all potentially eligible veterans will enroll immediately.
- Success depends significantly on adequate outreach and the ability of support services to manage increased demand.
- Long-term savings could accrue from improved well-being and reduced healthcare costs among veterans.