Rep. Adam Miller introduces legislation to end veteran homelessness

State Representative Adam C. Miller (D-Columbus) today introduced bipartisan legislation that would create the Safe Shelter Initiative within the Ohio Department of Veteran Services (ODVS).  

“One homeless veteran is one too many,” said Rep. Miller.  “The Safe Shelter Initiative provides innovative ways to end veterans’ homelessness in Ohio and confronts the challenges so many people and communities face in our state.  These veterans stood up for us; it’s time we stand up for them.”

According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, there were 730 homeless veterans in Ohio in January 2020.  This number was pre-COVID-19 pandemic.

The Safe Shelter Initiative would:

• Integrate veterans into housing and shelter programs;
• Fund state and local entities that provide housing services to veterans;
• Coordinate with local government and non-profit homeless agencies;
• Provide direct aid to programs aimed at long term homeless veterans;
• Mandate ODVS work with local county veterans service commissions on homelessness.