Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), announced that Volunteers of America – Los Angeles (VOALA), People Assisting The Homeless (PATH), New Directions, Inc., The Salvation Army, 1736 Family Crisis Center, Mental Health America of Los Angeles, and United States Veterans Initiative received over $12 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to prevent veterans and their families from becoming homeless.

“These grants are about keeping our promise to America’s men and women who bravely served us,” Becerra said. “Few places understand the tragedy of veteran homelessness like Los Angeles. These timely federal dollars help us continue our work securing stable and affordable housing for our most vulnerable veterans.”

The grants, made through the VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, are given to the veteran-serving organizations that must follow a housing-first approach, according to report from Becerra’s office. The approach centers on permanently housing homeless veterans quickly without preconditions and providing supportive services as needed.

SSVF’s funding supports outreach, case management and other flexible assistance to prevent veteran homelessness or rapidly re-house those who become homeless. For more information on the recipients, visit www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.