Bill Overview
Title: A bill to provide for rental assistance for homeless or at-risk Indian veterans, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill provides statutory authority for the Tribal HUD-VASH program, which provides rental assistance and supportive services to Indian veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and living in or near an area where a tribe or tribally designated housing entity provides assistance for affordable housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must use at least 5% of rental assistance amounts under the HUD-VASH program, which provides housing assistance to homeless veterans, for the Tribal HUD-VASH program. The Tribal HUD-VASH program must be carried out by HUD in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under the program, grants must be made to entities eligible for housing assistance block grants. HUD may make renewal grants to entities that have received prior program grants.
Sponsors: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Target Audience
Population: Homeless or at-risk Indian veterans
Estimated Size: 7560
- The bill focuses on Indian veterans who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
- These veterans must be living in or near tribal areas with support from a tribally designated housing entity.
- The program combines efforts of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Assistance is specifically designated for veterans, a group with a known proportion of the population.
Reasoning
- The population targeted by the policy is specific: homeless or at-risk Native American veterans in or near tribal areas. Given this specific focus, the policy will not affect the wider veteran or homeless populations significantly.
- The budget constraints will limit the reach of the program, potentially prioritizing regions with the highest need and existing infrastructure to distribute the aid effectively.
- Due to the specificity of the target group, there will be individuals within the broader veteran and Native American communities who will not be impacted by this policy unless they meet all criteria.
- Given the nature of the program focusing on housing and associated services, the improvement in wellbeing could be medium to high, particularly for those individuals who transition from unsheltered or insecure housing to stable environments.
Simulated Interviews
Unemployed (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’ve been struggling for a while now, moving from place to place.
- This policy would finally offer some stable ground, literally and figuratively.
- I just hope it's enough to reach me and others in similar situations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Part-time retail worker (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I constantly worry about making ends meet, especially during off-seasons.
- This program might provide the stability I need until I can find a better-paying job.
- It sounds like a targeted plan, but I hope it covers enough ground.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (Rapid City, SD)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I know there are many who need this more than I do.
- I'm fortunate to have a place to stay, but support for those less fortunate is crucial.
- I support the initiative but won't benefit directly.
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 |
Social Worker (Flagstaff, AZ)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen firsthand how much of a difference these programs make.
- This new policy should expand reach and provide more comprehensive support.
- The need is great, and timely help is crucial to prevent more severe issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Delivery Driver (Billings, MT)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While it's a good initiative, I probably won't see any changes personally.
- However, anything that helps fellow veterans is worth pursuing.
- I do hope it efficiently reaches those in need.
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 |
Construction Worker (Tulsa, OK)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A roof over the head could mean the world, from mental health to job stability.
- I hope to be among those who get support through this.
- Long-term impact on my life would be substantial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Self-employed (Sioux Falls, SD)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Every bit helps, and housing support is foundational.
- It could stabilize my situation and smooth the path to better income.
- I worry about the management and reach of these funds.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Artist (Santa Fe, NM)
Age: 33 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am fortunate not to need this help personally, but my community will benefit.
- Ensuring safe housing is critical for our veterans' dignity and mental health.
- Programs like this unite effort within the community.
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 |
Teacher (Denver, CO)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program is essential for those struggling, which I'm eager to support indirectly.
- While I won't benefit directly, I expect to see positive ripples through the community.
- Focused housing aid can have long-lasting effects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Freelancer (Portland, OR)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having been there, I know how rocky the path to stability can be.
- The initiative can be a crucial safety net.
- The execution and maintenance are where my concerns lie.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $170000000)
Year 2: $155000000 (Low: $135000000, High: $175000000)
Year 3: $160000000 (Low: $140000000, High: $180000000)
Year 5: $170000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $190000000)
Year 10: $200000000 (Low: $180000000, High: $220000000)
Year 100: $500000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $550000000)
Key Considerations
- The primary objective is to provide housing stability for at-risk Native American veterans, which may necessitate specific outreach efforts to ensure full utilization.
- Coordination between HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs is crucial for smooth implementation and effectiveness of the program.
- Annual reviews and adjustments may be required to ensure adequate funding and responsiveness to changing tribal and veteran needs.