Council presses DVS on possible loss of federal GPD funds for veteran transitional housing

Council members raised an urgent question about federal 'grant and per diem' (GPD) funding after Council Member Areola shared a letter stating DHS is no longer pursuing GPD funding for a transitional housing program that serves veterans. Chair Marano asked DVS three questions: how much federal funding the city may be foregoing; why DHS chose not to pursue the grant; and how the administration will replace the funding so veterans at the affected site will not lose housing or services.

DVS told the committee it is a separate agency from DHS and the federal VA but that it remains in close communication with partners and will follow up with DHS to provide a written response and plan. "We will follow-up," the agency said, and committed to coordinating with DHS to ensure homeless veterans are taken care of while the committee awaits a written explanation of the funding decision.