Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Santa Fe, NM – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a homeless prevention grant to Goodwill Industries of New Mexico.  The grant of more than $570,000 is one of 151 grants to non-profit community agencies around the country that contribute to the effort to prevent and end homelessness among veterans.

“New Mexico has long tradition of service in our armed forces.  Brave New Mexicans have answered the call of duty to protect our nation and the values we hold dear,” Congressman Luján said.  “Sadly, many veterans have struggled when they have returned home.  The physical and mental scars along with the challenges of finding work in a difficult economy have left too many without a roof over their head.  We have a responsibility to care for those who have served our country when they return home, and this grant will enable Goodwill Industries of New Mexico to continue their vital work and provide important resources to serve the needs of our nation’s heroes.”

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico serves veterans in Luján’s district, including the counties of Bernalillo, McKinley, San Juan, and Sandoval, as well as the tribal lands of Cochiti, Jemez, Zia, San Felipe, Santa Ana, Santo Domingo, and Navajo.  The grant of $572,580 will go toward Goodwill’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program that helps improve very-low-income veteran families’ housing stability.  Goodwill also helps veterans with case management, assistance obtaining VA benefits, temporary financial assistance, and linking to health care services, job training, legal services, and child care.

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