Bill > S1387

This bill, also known as the Housing Assistance for Veterans Act (HAVEN Act), establishes a pilot program allowing the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to qualified nonprofit organizations. These organizations, which must primarily serve veterans or low-income individuals and be recognized under specific IRS codes, will use the grants to rehabilitate and modify the primary residences of eligible veterans. An eligible veteran is defined as a disabled veteran (as defined by federal law) or a low-income veteran whose income does not exceed 80% of the area's median income. The grants can fund modifications like installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, reconfiguring bathrooms, removing thresholds, adding special lighting, and improving electrical systems to accommodate disabilities or prevent falls for elderly residents. They can also be used for general home disrepair and for installing energy-efficient features if utility costs are high. The program prioritizes organizations with experience in housing rehabilitation for disabled veterans or those serving rural areas, and grants are capped at $1,000,000 per organization annually, with funds available until spent. Qualified organizations must contribute at least 50% of the grant amount through matching funds or in-kind contributions and must provide the housing modifications at no cost to the veteran or ensure their housing costs do not exceed 30% of their income. The Secretary of HUD will coordinate with the Department of Veterans Affairs to oversee the program, and annual reports detailing program activities and outcomes will be submitted to Congress, with an authorization of $4,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2014 through 2018.