WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, co-sponsored bipartisan legislation that would grant Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert Wilkie greater flexibility in caring for and meeting the needs of homeless veterans in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

“While we continue to work to lower the homeless veteran count, we must ensure we protect this vulnerable population during the pandemic,” said Senator Tillis. "This bipartisan legislation will give the VA the resources it needs to provide assistance and ensure access to VA health care services.”

Among other provisions, the legislation would loosen certain regulations and enable the VA to use existing resources to offer homeless veterans the additional assistance they may need, including transportation, communication devices and services, and basic amenities, like clothing, blankets, and hygiene items. The law would also allow the VA to work with partner organizations to set up shelters on its properties. Finally, the bill ensures homeless veterans have access to the VA’s telehealth services.

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