Bill Overview
Title: Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 the Supportive Services for Veterans Families program (which provides financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing or transitioning from homelessness) and the program that provides additional and comprehensive services for homeless veterans at certain locations.
Sponsors: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Target Audience
Population: Very low-income and homeless veterans
Estimated Size: 1200000
- The bill specifically targets veterans, particularly those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
- The supportive services are aimed at very low-income veteran families, indicating not all veterans, but a subset defined by income level and housing stability, will be affected.
- The bill reauthorizes an existing program, meaning the population impacted is likely to continue being those already engaged with the services, along with new eligible individuals.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses on supporting very low-income veteran families, primarily addressing homelessness among veterans, particularly those already engaged with support services.
- The impact would largely affect homeless veterans, providing them stable housing and supportive services, and may extend to those at risk of homelessness.
- Given the budget limitations, not all eligible veterans may receive support, so the impact will vary based on the individual's current access to resources and their unique personal circumstances.
- Those not directly impacted might still perceive community benefits or indirect improvements in wellbeing if the policy reduces visible homelessness or relieves social services.
- Some veterans not eligible for direct assistance may see no change, but overall public perspectives might support this policy on moral or communal grounds.
Simulated Interviews
Unemployed, former construction worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program can finally help me get a stable roof over my head. Hope it cuts the waiting time.
- Being able to move into permanent housing would help me focus on finding work again.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Part-time retail associate (Houston, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be a safety net for us, finally some relief from constant fear of eviction.
- I hope the funds are enough to reach families like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Retired (New York, NY)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might not impact me much directly as I'm already housed, but it’s good to know younger veterans are getting help.
- There should be more focus on preventing homelessness in the first place.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Freelance IT consultant (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hopefully, this can give me the nudge to stabilize housing and focus on upskilling for steady work.
- It feels like a chance to get back on my feet.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Prison officer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this will change my situation, but it’s crucial others get help.
- It’ll reduce the number of veterans I see struggling on the streets.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Mechanic (Denver, CO)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I could use support to ease my rent burdens, it’s too tight to manage at my age.
- This policy might bridge my needs until I can fully retire.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Bartender (Miami, FL)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This can make a huge difference, housing brings stability and sanity.
- I hope they consider extending more support specifically for women veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Volunteer coordinator at veteran charity (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a positive move for the community and aligns with our advocacy work.
- The impact is small scale relative to the need, but definitely a step in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Part-time school aide (Portland, OR)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this policy can ease rent or provide better housing options, it's indispensable for families like mine.
- Skeptical about execution and reach, but hopeful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Self-employed, gig economy (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could stabilize my life and allow me to focus on getting steady work again.
- Will see if it really reaches those in the greatest need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $400000000 (Low: $380000000, High: $450000000)
Year 2: $410000000 (Low: $390000000, High: $460000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The reauthorization continues support for a targeted program, ensuring service continuity for veterans already benefiting.
- The bill aligns with ongoing national priorities of reducing veteran homelessness.
- Estimated costs might fluctuate based on the number of beneficiaries and inflation trends.