Bennie G. Thompson

07/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2024 10:46

CONGRESSMAN BENNIE THOMPSON ANNOUNCES GRANT AWARDED TO MISSISSIPPI UNITED TO END HOMELESSNESS

BOLTON, MS- Today, Congressman Bennie Thompson announces the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding $26.8 million in legal services grants to a total of 108 public and non-profit organizations with the goal of increasing access to legal services for eligible Veterans experiencing or at risk for homelessness. Mississippi United to End Homelessness (MUTEH) is the only entity in Mississippi to receive the grant award.

Ending Veteran homelessness is a top priority for the VA and the Biden-Harris Administration. "Every Veteran deserves access to safe, affordable, and permanent housing, and we know that legal support is among the most needed services by Veterans experiencing or at risk for homelessness," said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. "Through these grants, we are working hard to ensure Veterans' unique civil legal needs are met and drive towards our ultimate goal of ending homelessness for all Veterans and their families."

This grant program is enabled by the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D., Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, and ensures at least 10% of funding supports the provision of legal services for women Veterans. Individual grant awards are up to $300,000 for a 14-month grant cycle starting August 1, 2024. Grant recipients will deliver a variety of legal services to Veterans, including:

  • Providing representation in landlord-tenant disputes to prevent eviction.
  • Assisting with court proceedings for child support, custody, or estate planning.
  • Helping Veterans obtain benefits like disability compensation.
  • Defending Veterans in criminal cases that can prolong or increase their risk of homelessness, such as outstanding warrants, fines, and driver's license revocation.
  • Upgrading characterization of discharges or dismissals of former members of the Armed Forces.

Congressman Bennie Thompson expressed his support for the grant, stating, "This funding is a critical resource in our mission to support Veterans who have served our country honorably. By increasing access to legal services, we are taking a significant step toward ending Veteran homelessness in Mississippi and ensuring that our Veterans receive the support they need and deserve."

For more information contact MUTEH at [email protected] or at (601) 960-0557.