Heroes deserve hope.
That’s a mission that will be fulfilled as we create
more opportunities for the brave men and women who have given so much of
themselves to our great country through their military service.
A new tribal program launched in partnership between
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will ensure Native military veterans have
access to safe and secure housing. This partnership is especially significant
because it marks the first time the HUD/VA housing assistance program has
included tribes. Nationwide, $5.9 million will be distributed among the selected
tribal governments.
It’s an admirable goal, and I am proud the Cherokee
Nation will be one of 26 tribal governments nationwide to share in federal
funding to provide long-term housing for veterans who need a permanent home. We
will provide 20 vouchers to Cherokee veterans for rental assistance thanks to
$194,000 awarded to our tribe.
As most of us know, Indian people serve in the
military at a higher rate than any other group, and this program targets homeless
veterans within tribal jurisdictions. There is no better way to honor the
service and sacrifice of Cherokee veterans than by making sure they have a roof
over their head.
In our communities, homelessness may not be the
textbook definition of “homeless.” We
don't see as much traditional homelessness in Indian Country as other racial
populations because our people take care of one another. We don't kick people
out on the streets. However, many Indian families and homes are severely
overcrowded. This is one of the examples of “homelessness” within our tribal
communities.
Cherokee Nation was selected to participate because
we have raised the bar for veteran services. We have a state-of-the-art veterans
center, which provides veterans invaluable resources and services, and we have
a memorandum of understanding in place with the VA to treat Native veterans
with routine health care in tribal facilities.
I applaud HUD Secretary Julián Castro for traveling
to Oklahoma for the sole purpose of sharing this news with tribal leaders and
for the White House’s efforts to curb the rate of veteran homelessness. This
new effort will ensure Cherokee patriots get the assistance they desperately
need after serving our country. As Secretary Castro said, we can “create a
better 21st century for all Americans.”
We are already working with the VA to identify 20
Cherokees veterans who need adequate housing. My administration has been
defined by homes and hope. I am so proud
we will be able to do this for our veterans.
Anytime you can help provide the
basic necessities for a Cherokee Nation citizen and for a veteran, it is the right
and honorable thing to do. Heroes deserve hope. I believe this program will be
a great success and hope it will perpetuate and help more deserving souls in
the future.
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