U.S. House passes Al Green plan to help homeless veterans

Congressman Al Green hosted an event for Houston’s homeless veterans on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Congressman Al Green hosted an event for Houston’s homeless veterans on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close U.S. House passes Al Green plan to help homeless veterans 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to pass legislation championed by Houston Democrat Al Green designed to better coordinate aid to low-income veterans at risk of becoming homeless.

The Homes for Heroes Act, which he introduced in January, passed by a vote of 412-1. The sole no vote was cast by Michigan Republican Justin Amash.

The bill establishes a special assistant for Veterans Affairs and requires an annual report to Congress on veterans' homelessness. The new administrator would also help coordinate HUD programs for veterans and serve as a liaison between the housing agency and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"Homelessness among our veterans should be unconscionable for a nation that has benefitted so much from their selfless service in our defense," Green said. "Just as we would not literally leave our service people behind, we must not leave them and their families behind after their service has ended."

The House-passed bill did not include a more comprehensive $200 million spending plan proposed by Green to expand housing assistance for veterans.

According to the National Coalition for Homelessness, on any given night in the United States 49,933 veterans are homeless, making up about 12 percent of the adult homeless population. Additionally, an estimated 51 percent of homeless veterans are disabled.