NEW YORK – This week, the Senate pushed forward a bill that will establish a Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund to help the numerous veterans who have no safe place to call home in New York State (NYS Senate Bill 4760). If approved by the governor, the bill will allow people to voluntarily check-off a box when filing their state income tax, which will allow them to contribute to the fund. It will not result in an increase in taxes.

"Veterans have sacrificed so much to protect our country. Those men and women not only deserve our gratitude, they deserve our support when they return home,” said Senator Tom Libous. “The Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund gives our communities another opportunity to give back to veterans in need. I was proud to help pass this legislation."

According to the bill, the funds “shall be expended only for the assistance and care of homeless veterans for housing and housing-related expenses, as determined by the New York State Department of Veterans Affairs.”

The bill continues by stating, “The United States is fortunate to have many brave men and women fighting overseas to protect our freedom. Unfortunately, upon their return from service, many have found themselves with housing difficulties. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, 13 percent of the homeless adult population are veterans. Helping those who have risked their lives for us, with their most basic needs, is the right thing to do.”