SC Rep. Mace introduces legislation to help homeless US veterans

As housing prices continue to rise in the Lowcountry, the need to access affordable housing for those who risked everything in defense of our country has never been greater.

While veterans make up approximately 6% of the nation’s population, they comprise almost 10% of our homeless population.

Both parties agree we should solve veterans’ homelessness.

So I am working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make that happen.

Earlier this week, I co-sponsored a bipartisan bill with Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA)) to provide the type of innovative solutions we need to tackle this issue.

The Tiny Homes for Veterans Act of 2021 would create a pilot program to construct sustainable and affordable tiny homes for our nation’s at-risk and homeless veterans.

It’s a tiny solution to a big problem.

The tiny homes our bill provides for would be constructed in communities so that wrap-around support services can be provided for veterans.

These services would include job training, counseling services, financial management instruction, and educational opportunities.

The Lowcountry would be the perfect place for this kind of pilot program.

One-third of our state’s veterans reside in our Congressional District.

As residents know all too well, the cost of living here is facing staggering increases. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has only made this issue worse as group facilities like shelters have become hot spots for transmission of the Coronavirus.

Our Tiny Homes legislation creates a pilot program from the VA’s existing Grant and Per Diem program and would not increase government spending.

It wouldn’t raise anyone’s taxes.

It also prioritizes grant recipients who use energy-efficient materials and sustainable construction methods. Another vital part of the program allows the VA to monitor the program and track its success.

Housing strategies like the one this bill provides have proven to be very effective.

From 2010-2019, the number of homeless veterans in America was approximately cut in half with similar solutions.

Those successful programs had two key components: housing first and educational programs.

It’s time we take care of those who spent their lives taking care of us. It’s time to give our homeless veterans a home.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) represents the First Congressional District.