U.S. gives $1.59 million for Michigan vets programs

DETROIT (AP) -- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said Tuesday that it is giving $1.59 million for programs helping homeless Michigan veterans and their families. Two Michigan nonprofit agencies will help about 545 homeless veteran families, Department Secretary Eric Shinseki said. The program is called Supportive Services for Veteran Families, and the nationwide initiative is awarding about $60 million to 85 agencies in 40 states and the District of Columbia. The government is giving $999,559 to Southwest Counseling Solutions in Detroit and $590,928 to the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency in Wyandotte. "This new homeless prevention program will provide new hope and comprehensive support to veterans who have served honorably, but now find themselves in a downward spiral toward despair and homelessness," Shinseki said in a statement Under the program, the agencies will be able to provide a range of services to eligible very low-income veterans and their families. That can include some financial aid for rent, utilities, deposits and moving costs. "This program expands our capacity to act before a veteran becomes homeless and to target the problem of family homelessness," Shinseki said. Published: Thu, Jul 28, 2011