First Lady asking landlords with vacant spaces to help homeless veterans
First Lady Michelle Obama has a proposition for any landlord eager to unload vacant space.
Mrs. Obama released a video calling on landlords and property owners around the US to consider opening up units to homeless veterans. FLOTUS urged more landlords to consider getting involved with the "Supportive Services for Veteran Families" program, an initiative that provides grants to non-profits and consumer cooperatives on behalf of vets in need and to be more receptive to accepting HUD Vash Vouchers. The Section 8 vouchers are doled out to qualifying veterans as a means of rental assistance.
"You all have the power to open doors for our vets and give them the stability they deserve and help our country solve an issue swept under the rug for far too long. This isn't just the patriotic thing to do, it can also be the smart thing to do for your business. Through federal efforts, like HUD Vash Vouchers or the Supportive Service for Veteran Families program, you are guaranteed regular rent payments and staff support along the way," said Mrs. Obama.
According to HUD, on a single night in January 2014, there were 49,993 homeless veterans across the US. Through her "Mayor's Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness," the First Lady is working to end chronic veteran homelessness this year.
