Housing our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2023 or the HOME Act of 2023
This bill addresses the funding and administration of certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs related to homeless veterans.
The bill generally increases the maximum rate of per diem payments provided by the VA to entities (i.e., grant recipients or authorized entities) that furnish services and transitional housing to homeless veterans. Additionally, the bill authorizes the VA to provide a maximum of 200% of the otherwise applicable maximum rate for entities providing services to veterans in (1) rural areas or highly rural areas, (2) areas with a high rate of suicide among veterans, or (2) areas with a high rate of homelessness among veterans.
The bill also amends the West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016 to modify the process by which the VA enters into leases or land-sharing agreements. Additionally, consideration of a lease under the West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016 may include consideration other than money.
Through FY2024, the bill authorizes the VA to use certain available funds to provide specified assistance (e.g., assistance for food) to homeless veterans who are participating in the Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.
The bill authorizes the VA to collaborate with organizations to manage the use of VA land for homeless veterans to live and sleep.