Bill > HR3743

This bill, known as the Housing Assistance for Veterans Act of 2013 or the HAVEN Act, establishes a pilot program to help disabled and low-income veterans by authorizing the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to nonprofit organizations. These grants, capped at $1,000,000 per organization annually, will fund the rehabilitation and modification of eligible veterans' primary residences, which are defined as their principal dwelling owned by them or a family member. The program aims to make homes more accessible and functional by allowing funds to be used for improvements like installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, reconfiguring bathrooms, and addressing general disrepair. Additionally, grants can cover energy-efficient upgrades if a veteran's utility costs exceed 5% of their monthly income and an energy audit confirms significant savings. The bill defines "disabled" according to federal law, "low-income" as earning no more than 80% of the area median income, and "nonprofit organization" as one recognized under specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code. Qualified organizations applying for these grants must demonstrate expertise in housing rehabilitation for disabled or low-income individuals, have outreach plans to engage veterans and veterans service organizations, and possess a network of affiliates capable of providing these services. These organizations are also required to contribute matching funds equal to at least 50% of the grant amount, either financially or through in-kind contributions, and ensure that veterans bear no cost or no more than 30% of their income in housing costs after modifications. The Secretary of HUD will coordinate with the Department of Veterans Affairs to oversee the program, and annual reports detailing program outcomes, veteran demographics, and financial information will be submitted to Congress, with a final report due after the program's completion. The bill authorizes $4,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2015 through 2019 to carry out this pilot program.