The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced $4.8 million from the Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot (VHRMP) Program was granted to assist disabled veterans with modifying or rehabilitating their homes, making them more accessible, HUD announced in a release.
Through the VHRMP program, grantees will make necessary physical modifications to address the adaptive housing needs of eligible veterans, including wheelchair ramps, widening exterior and interior doors, reconfiguring and reequipping bathrooms, or adding a bedroom or bathroom for the veteran’s caregiver.
“Our veterans gave everything in service to our country, so it’s now our duty to ensure they have a safe and decent place to call home,” HUD Secretary Ben Carson said in the release. “The grants awarded today ensure veterans living with disabilities can make the necessary adaptive modifications to their homes, allowing them to lead self-sufficient lives.”
The purpose of the pilot program is to assist low-income veterans living with disabilities who need adaptive housing to help them regain or maintain their independence, HUD said. By partnering with the VA, HUD said it is addressing these challenges by awarding competitive grants to organizations that primarily serve veterans and low-income people.
“Our biggest hope for veterans is that they fully participate in the country they fought to defend once they return from service,” VA secretary Robert Wilkie said. “These grants further that goal by ensuring veterans with service-related disabilities don’t just get housing, but live in a home that meets their specific needs. We’re proud to work with our nonprofit partners once again this year to help our veterans.”