WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Don Davis (NC-01), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) Thursday introduced the Simplifying Veterans Assistance Act to address complications with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program application process.

According to a release from Thompson’s office, the VA GPD program provides funding to community organizations that offer transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. This program has helped countless veterans across the country achieve financial and housing stability, ultimately leading to self-determination and independence.

Unfortunately, many community organizations serving homeless veteran populations are unable to access this program due to a complicated application process, unnecessary bureaucratic red tape and a lack of communication from the VA, the release said.

The Simplifying Veterans Assistance Act will direct the VA to provide guidance and best practices for entities applying for grants through the GPD program. The bill also ensures the VA provides at least two informational sessions so that eligible organizations can better understand the application process, ask questions and receive additional support directly from VA staff.

“We must equip organizations serving veterans with the tools they need to assist veterans experiencing homelessness,” Thompson said. “This bipartisan legislation guarantees the VA will communicate with organizations in our communities so they can better serve our veterans. By providing clear guidance, we can ensure that no veteran is left behind due to bureaucratic obstacles.”

Other representatives backing the bill offered their thoughts on its importance.

“Community agencies dedicated to caring for homeless veterans should not be hindered from assisting them by difficult grant processes,” Bresnahan said. “These groups provide shelter and support for our nation’s heroes, and they deserve the same access to grants and resources as any other organization, regardless of their experience with per diem grants or whether they can afford a grants writer. I thank my colleague, Rep. Thompson, for calling attention to this issue and for providing a solution for veterans and the community agencies they depend on.”

“No veteran who sacrificed for our nation should be without a roof over their head,” Davis said. “We must ensure that our homeless veteran centers, which play a crucial role in providing shelter to our veterans, have the resources they need to receive these grants.”

“Many community organizations that support homeless veterans rely on VA grants but struggle with the application process due to a lack of resources,” said Panetta. “Our legislation will make the VA’s Grant and Per Diem Program more accessible by providing critical guidance and training, so these organizations can focus on what matters most, helping veterans get back on their feet. Our nation’s commitment to veterans must include ensuring that those who serve them have the tools they need to succeed.”

This bill is supported by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the National Alliance to End Homelessness.