Title: Building Solutions for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Act of 2021
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
Building Solutions for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Act of 2021
This bill addresses various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grants, programs, and assistance related to services for homeless veterans.
The bill removes certain funding limitations on grants that assist eligible entities in establishing or modifying programs to furnish outreach, rehabilitative services, vocational counseling and training, and transitional housing assistance to homeless veterans.
Under the bill, grant recipients must not be subject to certain property disposition requirements.
The bill increases the maximum rate of per diem payments provided to grant recipients furnishing services to homeless veterans.
Under the Supportive Services for Veterans Families program, not less than 2% of the amounts available in any fiscal year may be available to provide technical assistance to entities providing supportive services to very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing.
Among other requirements, the VA must
The bill (1) extends through FY2025 the authority for appropriations for homeless veterans reintegration programs, and (2) increases the amount authorized to be appropriated annually for such programs from $50 million to $75 million.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2172 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 2172

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve grants, payments, and 
 technical assistance provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
            serve homeless veterans, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 22, 2021

  Mr. Tester introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
             referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve grants, payments, and 
 technical assistance provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
            serve homeless veterans, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Building Solutions 
for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Act of 2021''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Adjustments of grants awarded by the Secretary of Veterans 
                            Affairs for comprehensive service programs 
                            to serve homeless veterans.
Sec. 3. Increase in maximum rates of per diem payments provided by the 
                            Secretary of Veterans Affairs for services 
                            furnished to homeless veterans.
Sec. 4. Technical assistance provided by Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
                            to certain grant recipients.
Sec. 5. Report and action on shallow subsidy program under the 
                            Supportive Services for Veteran Families 
                            program.
Sec. 6. Housing and health care navigators grant program.
Sec. 7. Grant program for substance use and alcohol use disorder 
                            recovery for homeless veterans.
Sec. 8. Increase and extension of authorization of appropriations for 
                            homeless veterans reintegration programs.
Sec. 9. Pilot program on grants to improve public transportation 
                            services for veterans.
Sec. 10. Pilot program on grants for care for elderly homeless 
                            veterans.
Sec. 11. Report by Comptroller General of the United States on 
                            affordable housing for veterans.

SEC. 2. ADJUSTMENTS OF GRANTS AWARDED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
              AFFAIRS FOR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS TO SERVE 
              HOMELESS VETERANS.

    (a) Elimination of Matching Requirement.--
            (1) In general.--Section 2011(c) of title 38, United States 
        Codes, is amended--
                    (A) by striking paragraph (2); and
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph 
                (2).
            (2) Applicability.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) 
        shall apply with respect to any grant awarded under section 
        2011 of title 38, United States Code, on or after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act.
            (3) Sunset.--Section 4201(b)(2) of the Johnny Isakson and 
        David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits 
        Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315; 134 Stat. 5009; 38 
        U.S.C. 2011 note) is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``Subsection (c)(2)'' and inserting 
                the following:
                    ``(A) In general.--Subsection (c)(2)''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
                    ``(B) Sunset.--Subparagraph (A) shall cease to be 
                effective on the date of the enactment of the Building 
                Solutions for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Act of 
                2021.''.
    (b) Elimination of Property Disposition Requirements.--
            (1) In general.--A recipient of a grant awarded under 
        section 2011 of title 38, United States Code, on or after the 
        date of the enactment of this Act for a project described in 
        subsection (b)(1) of such section shall not be subject to any 
        property disposition requirements relating to the grant under 
        subsection (c) or (f) of section 61.67 of title 38, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, section 200.311(c) of title 2, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, or successor regulations.
            (2) Sunset.--Section 4201(b)(6) of the Johnny Isakson and 
        David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits 
        Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315; 134 Stat. 5010; 38 
        U.S.C. 2011 note) is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``During'' and inserting the 
                following:
                    ``(A) In general.--During''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
                    ``(B) Sunset.--Subparagraph (A) shall cease to be 
                effective on the date of the enactment of the Building 
                Solutions for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Act of 
                2021.''.

SEC. 3. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM RATES OF PER DIEM PAYMENTS PROVIDED BY THE 
              SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR SERVICES FURNISHED TO 
              HOMELESS VETERANS.

    Section 2012(a)(2)(B) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in clause (i)(II)(aa)(BB), by striking ``115'' and 
        inserting ``200''; and
            (2) in clause (ii), by striking ``150'' and inserting 
        ``200''.

SEC. 4. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
              TO CERTAIN GRANT RECIPIENTS.

    (a) Supportive Services for Very Low-Income Families in Permanent 
Housing.--Section 2044(e) of title 38, United States Code, is amended 
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph 
(2):
    ``(2) Not less than two percent of the amounts available under 
paragraph (1) in any fiscal year may be available to provide technical 
assistance under subsection (d).''.
    (b) Comprehensive Service Programs.--Section 2011 of title 38, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(i) Training and Technical Assistance.--(1) The Secretary shall 
provide training and technical assistance to each recipient of a grant 
under this section regarding the planning, development, and provision 
of services for which the grant is made.
    ``(2) The Secretary may provide the training and technical 
assistance described in paragraph (1) directly or through grants or 
contracts with such public or nonprofit private entities as the 
Secretary considers appropriate.
    ``(3) Not less than two percent of amounts designated for the 
administration of grants under this section in any fiscal year shall be 
used to provide training and technical assistance under this 
subsection.''.

SEC. 5. REPORT AND ACTION ON SHALLOW SUBSIDY PROGRAM UNDER THE 
              SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VETERAN FAMILIES PROGRAM.

    (a) Report Required.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
        shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
        Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
        Representatives a report on program for providing rental 
        subsidies under section 62.34(a)(8) of title 38, Code of 
        Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation) (in this 
        section referred to as the ``program'').
            (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) The number of veterans and families served 
                under the program during the 1-year period preceding 
                the date of the enactment of this Act, disaggregated, 
                if such information is available, by--
                            (i) race and ethnicity;
                            (ii) gender;
                            (iii) geographic location; and
                            (iv) age.
                    (B) A description of support provided to special 
                populations under the program, including elderly 
                veterans, women veterans, children of veterans, 
                disabled veterans, veterans transitioning from certain 
                institutions, and minority veterans.
                    (C) A description of the decision-making process of 
                the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding which 
                locations would be eligible for coverage under the 
                program.
                    (D) An assessment of whether increasing the payment 
                rate under the program is necessary.
                    (E) An assessment of whether it is feasible and 
                beneficial to expand the program nationally.
                    (F) An assessment of the efficacy of the increased 
                payments provided under the program based on increases 
                in number of veterans served and number of veterans 
                transitioned into permanent housing.
    (b) Increase in Payment Rate.--If the assessment described in 
subsection (a)(2)(D) finds that increasing the payment rate under the 
program is necessary, the Secretary shall issue such regulations as may 
be necessary to increase such rate.
    (c) Expansion of Program.--If the assessment described in 
subsection (a)(2)(E) finds that it is feasible and beneficial to expand 
the program nationally, the Secretary shall so expand the program not 
later than two years after date on which the report required by 
subsection (a)(1) is submitted.

SEC. 6. HOUSING AND HEALTH CARE NAVIGATORS GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 20 of title 38, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) by redesignating section 2014 as section 2015; and
            (2) by inserting after section 2013 the following new 
        section 2014:
``Sec. 2014. Housing and health care navigators grant program
    ``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall establish and carry 
out a program under which the Secretary shall provide services to 
assist veterans with navigating housing and health care resources in 
order to improve the retention of housing by and overall health of--
            ``(1) veterans who were previously homeless and are 
        transitioning to permanent housing; and
            ``(2) veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless.
    ``(b) Grants.--(1) The Secretary shall carry out the program 
established under subsection (a) through the award of grants.
    ``(2) In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
give priority to organizations that demonstrate the capability to 
provide services described in subsection (a), particularly 
organizations that are successfully providing or have successfully 
provided transitional housing services using amounts provided by the 
Secretary under sections 2012 and 2061 of this title.
    ``(c) Staffing.--In areas where individuals who meet the licensure 
and certification requirements to provide services described in 
subsection (a) are in high demand as determined by the Secretary, a 
grantee under the program may provide such services through one or more 
individuals with a master's degree in social work who are undergoing 
training to meet such requirements, if such individuals are under the 
supervision of an individual who meets such requirements.
    ``(d) Services.--Services provided under this section shall include 
services to assist veterans with navigating resources provided by the 
Federal Government and State, local, and Tribal governments.
    ``(e) Report on Services Provided.--The Secretary shall require 
each recipient of a grant awarded under subsection (b)(1) to submit to 
the Secretary a report that describes the services provided or 
coordinated with amounts under such grant.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 20013(a) of the Coronavirus Aid, 
Relief, and Economic Security Act (38 U.S.C. 2011 note) is amended by 
striking ``2014'' and inserting ``2015''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 20 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to 
section 2014 and inserting the following new items:

``2014. Housing and health care navigators grant program.
``2015. Authorization of appropriations.''.

SEC. 7. GRANT PROGRAM FOR SUBSTANCE USE AND ALCOHOL USE DISORDER 
              RECOVERY FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.

    (a) Pilot Program Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
commence carrying out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall 
award grants to eligible entities for the provision or coordination of 
services for recovery from substance use disorder or alcohol use 
disorder for veterans who were previously homeless and are 
transitioning to permanent housing and veterans who are at risk of 
becoming homeless.
    (b) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program 
during the five-year period beginning on the date of the commencement 
of the pilot program.
    (c) Award of Grants.--
            (1) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program, the 
        Secretary shall award a grant to an eligible entity for each 
        veteran with substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder 
        participating in the pilot program for which the eligible 
        entity is providing or coordinating the provision of recovery 
        services for substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, as 
        the case may be, under the pilot program.
            (2) Intervals of payment and maximum amounts.--The 
        Secretary may establish intervals of payment for the 
        administration of grants under this section and a maximum 
        amount to be awarded, in accordance with the services being 
        provided and the duration of such services.
            (3) Preference.--In awarding grants under paragraph (1), 
        the Secretary shall give preference to eligible entities 
        providing or coordinating the provision of recovery services 
        for substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder for veterans 
        with substance-use dependency who face barriers in accessing 
        substance-use recovery services from the Department of Veterans 
        Affairs.
            (4) Equitable distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure 
        that, to the extent practicable, grant amounts awarded under 
        paragraph (1) are equitably distributed across geographic 
        regions, including rural and Tribal communities.
            (5) Notification of source of amounts.--Each eligible 
        entity awarded a grant under paragraph (1) shall notify each 
        veteran receiving services paid for with amounts under such 
        grant that such services are being paid for, in whole or in 
        part, by the Department.
            (6) Report on services provided.--The Secretary shall 
        require each eligible entity awarded a grant under paragraph 
        (1) to submit to the Secretary a report that describes the 
        services provided or coordinated with amounts under such grant.
    (d) Grant Application.--
            (1) In general.--An eligible entity seeking the award of a 
        grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an 
        application therefor in such form, in such manner, and 
        containing such commitments and information as the Secretary 
        considers necessary to carry out this section.
            (2) Contents of application.--Each application submitted by 
        an eligible entity under paragraph (1) shall contain the 
        following:
                    (A) A description of the recovery services for 
                substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder proposed 
                to be provided by the eligible entity under the pilot 
                program and the identified need for those services.
                    (B) A description of the types of veterans with 
                substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder proposed 
                to be provided such recovery services.
                    (C) An estimate of the number of veterans with 
                substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder proposed 
                to be provided such recovery services.
                    (D) Evidence of the experience of the eligible 
                entity in providing such recovery services to veterans 
                with substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder.
                    (E) A description of the managerial capacity of the 
                eligible entity--
                            (i) to assess continually the needs of 
                        veterans with substance use disorder or alcohol 
                        use disorder for such recovery services;
                            (ii) to coordinate the provision of such 
                        recovery services with services provided by the 
                        Department; and
                            (iii) to tailor such recovery services to 
                        the needs of veterans with substance use 
                        disorder or alcohol use disorder.
            (3) Criteria for selection.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish 
                criteria for the selection of eligible entities to be 
                awarded grants under this section.
                    (B) Elements.--Criteria established under 
                subparagraph (A) with respect to an eligible entity 
                shall include the following:
                            (i) Relevant accreditation as may be 
                        required by each State in which the eligible 
                        entity operates.
                            (ii) Experience coordinating care or 
                        providing treatment for veterans or members of 
                        the Armed Forces.
    (e) Technical Assistance.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide training and 
        technical assistance to eligible entities awarded grants under 
        this section regarding the planning, development, and provision 
        of recovery services for substance use disorder or alcohol use 
        disorder under this section.
            (2) Provision of training.--The Secretary may provide the 
        training required under paragraph (1) directly or through 
        grants or contracts with such public or nonprofit private 
        entities as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of 
        this section, including through grants awarded under section 
        2064 of title 38, United States Code.
    (f) Collection of Information.--To the extent practicable, the 
Secretary may collect information from an eligible entity awarded a 
grant under this section relating to a substance use disorder or 
alcohol use disorder of a veteran participating in the pilot program 
for inclusion in the electronic health record of the Department for 
such veteran for the sole purpose of improving care provided to such 
veteran.
    (g) Study on Effectiveness of Pilot Program.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a study on the 
        effectiveness of the pilot program in meeting the needs of 
        veterans with substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder.
            (2) Comparison.--In conducting the study required by 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall compare the results of the 
        pilot program with other programs of the Department dedicated 
        to the delivery to veterans of recovery services for substance 
        use disorder or alcohol use disorder.
            (3) Criteria.--In making the comparison required by 
        paragraph (2), the Secretary shall examine the following:
                    (A) The satisfaction of veterans targeted by the 
                programs described in paragraph (2).
                    (B) The health status of such veterans.
                    (C) The mental wellness of such veterans.
                    (D) The degree to which such programs encourage 
                such veterans to engage in productive activity.
                    (E) The number of veterans using such programs, 
                disaggregated by--
                            (i) veterans who have received care from 
                        the Department during the two-year period 
                        preceding the conduct of the study; and
                            (ii) veterans who have not received care 
                        from the Department during such period.
                    (F) The number of veterans who are still homeless 
                or at-risk of homelessness one year after completion of 
                receipt of recovery services under such programs.
                    (G) The number of veterans who still have a 
                substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder within 
                180 days of discharge from receipt of services provided 
                under this section.
            (4) Report.--Not later than one year after the commencement 
        of the pilot program, and annually thereafter, the Secretary 
        shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
        Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
        Representatives a report on the results of the study required 
        by paragraph (1).
    (h) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means 
        any of the following:
                    (A) An incorporated private institution or 
                foundation--
                            (i) no part of the net earnings of which 
                        inures to the benefit of any member, founder, 
                        contributor, or individual;
                            (ii) that has a governing board that is 
                        responsible for the operation of the recovery 
                        services for substance use disorder or alcohol 
                        use disorder provided under this section; and
                            (iii) that is approved by the Secretary 
                        with respect to financial responsibility.
                    (B) A for-profit limited partnership, the sole 
                general partner of which is an organization meeting the 
                requirements of subparagraph (A).
                    (C) A corporation wholly owned and controlled by an 
                organization meeting the requirements of subparagraph 
                (A).
                    (D) A tribally designated housing entity (as 
                defined in section 4 of the Native American Housing 
                Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 
                U.S.C. 4103)).
            (2) Substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder.--The 
        term ``substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder'', with 
        respect to a veteran, means the veteran has been diagnosed 
        with, or is seeking treatment for, substance use disorder or 
        alcohol use disorder, as determined by the Secretary.

SEC. 8. INCREASE AND EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR 
              HOMELESS VETERANS REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS.

     Section 2021(e)(1)(F) of title 38, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) by striking ``$50,000,000'' and inserting 
        ``$75,000,000''; and
            (2) by striking ``2022'' and inserting ``2025''.

SEC. 9. PILOT PROGRAM ON GRANTS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 
              SERVICES FOR VETERANS.

    (a) Grant Program Required.--Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
commence carrying out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and 
advisability of awarding grants to eligible entities to improve public 
transportation services for veterans.
    (b) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program 
during the five-year period beginning on the date on which the pilot 
program commences.
    (c) Award of Grants.--
            (1) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program, the 
        Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to expand, 
        retain, or establish public transportation services that 
        provide veterans access to locations of facilities or 
        organizations that serve veterans, including--
                    (A) facilities of the Department of Veterans 
                Affairs; and
                    (B) organizations that provide services to veterans 
                using funds provided by the Department.
            (2) Eligible entities.--For purposes of this section, an 
        eligible entity is any State, Tribal, county, or city 
        government that--
                    (A) is providing public transportation services as 
                of the date on which the pilot program commences; or
                    (B) has a proven ability and intention to establish 
                public transportation infrastructure.
            (3) Intervals of payment and maximum grant amount.--The 
        Secretary may establish intervals of payment for the 
        administration of grants under this section and a maximum grant 
        amount to be awarded, in accordance with the services being 
        provided and the duration of such services.
            (4) Coordination and consultation.--In awarding grants 
        under this section, the Secretary may coordinate and consult 
        with the Secretary of Transportation.
            (5) Equitable distribution.--The Secretary of Veterans 
        Affairs shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, grants 
        awarded under this section are equitably distributed across 
        geographic regions, including rural and Tribal communities.
    (d) Grant Application.--
            (1) In general.--An eligible entity seeking the award of a 
        grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an 
        application therefor in such form, in such manner, and 
        containing such commitments and information as the Secretary 
        considers necessary to carry out this section.
            (2) Contents of application.--Each application submitted by 
        an eligible entity under paragraph (1) shall contain the 
        following:
                    (A) A description of the public transportation 
                services that the entity intends to provide under the 
                grant.
                    (B) A list of all sites accessed by the public 
                transportation services to be provided.
                    (C) The schedule of such services.
                    (D) A list of the locations of facilities and 
                organizations that serve veterans that will be accessed 
                by such services.
                    (E) An estimate of the number of veterans that 
                would use such services.
                    (F) Evidence of the ability of the entity to 
                provide such services.
    (e) Notification to Veterans.--Each eligible entity awarded a grant 
under this section shall notify veterans of the expansion or 
establishment of public transportation services to locations of 
facilities or organizations that serve veterans and that those services 
are available in whole or in part due to funds provided by the 
Department.
    (f) Report on Services Provided.--The Secretary shall require each 
eligible entity awarded a grant under this section to submit to the 
Secretary a report that describes the expansion, retention, or 
establishment of public transportation services provided with amounts 
under such grant.
    (g) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date on 
        which the first grant is awarded under this section, the 
        Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of 
        the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House 
        of Representatives a report on the services provided under the 
        pilot program.
            (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) The geographic location of each recipient of a 
                grant under this section.
                    (B) The estimated number of veterans served by each 
                such grant recipient.
                    (C) An assessment of whether use of facilities of 
                the Department has increased due to access to public 
                transportation provided under grants awarded under this 
                section, if information for such an assessment is 
                available.

SEC. 10. PILOT PROGRAM ON GRANTS FOR CARE FOR ELDERLY HOMELESS 
              VETERANS.

    (a) Pilot Program Required.--Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
commence carrying out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and 
advisability of awarding grants to eligible entities to meet the health 
care needs of elderly veterans who were previously homeless and are 
transitioning to permanent housing.
    (b) Award of Grants.--
            (1) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program, the 
        Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities for the 
        purpose described in subsection (a).
            (2) Eligible entities.--For purposes of this section, an 
        eligible entity is any organization that is successfully 
        providing transitional housing services using amounts provided 
        by the Secretary under sections 2012 and 2061 of title 38, 
        United States Code, as of the date on which the entity applies 
        for a grant under this section.
            (3) Intervals of payment and maximum grant amount.--The 
        Secretary may establish intervals of payment for the 
        administration of grants under this section and a maximum grant 
        amount to be awarded, in accordance with the services being 
        provided by staff hired using grant amounts and the duration of 
        such services.
            (4) Equitable distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure 
        that, to the extent practicable, grant amounts awarded under 
        paragraph (1) are equitably distributed across geographic 
        regions, including rural and Tribal communities.
    (c) Use of Grant Amounts.--The recipient of a grant under the pilot 
program--
            (1) shall use grant amounts for the hiring of nursing staff 
        to care for elderly veterans requiring assistance with 
        activities of daily living who were previously homeless and are 
        transitioning to permanent housing; and
            (2) may use such amounts for supplies and infrastructure 
        needs associated with the duties of such staff.
    (d) Report on Services Provided.--The Secretary shall require each 
eligible entity awarded a grant under this section to submit to the 
Secretary a report that describes the services provided or coordinated 
with amounts under such grant.
    (e) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program 
during the five-year period beginning on the date on which the pilot 
program commences.
    (f) Report to Congress.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
        which the pilot program commences, and annually thereafter 
        until the program terminates, the Secretary shall submit to the 
        Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee 
        on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report 
        on the effectiveness of the program.
            (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the number of veterans served by the pilot program 
        under the care of a staff member the funding for whom is 
        provided by a grant under the program, disaggregated by--
                    (A) geographic location;
                    (B) gender;
                    (C) age;
                    (D) race and ethnicity;
                    (E) whether or not a veteran received care from the 
                Department during the two-year period preceding the 
                date on which the veteran began participating in the 
                program;
                    (F) the number of veterans who transitioned into 
                permanent housing as a result of participation in the 
                program; and
                    (G) with respect to veterans who did not transition 
                into permanent housing as a result of participation in 
                the program, the main reasons for not so transitioning.

SEC. 11. REPORT BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES ON 
              AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR VETERANS.

    (a) Report Required.--Not later than two years after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a 
report on the availability of affordable housing for veterans who have 
or are participating in any program administered by the Homeless 
Programs Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    (b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include, 
with respect to the one-year period preceding the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the following:
            (1) The number of veterans using housing vouchers under the 
        program carried out under section 8(o)(19) of the United States 
        Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)) (commonly referred 
        to as ``HUD-VASH'').
            (2) The number of veterans who were allocated a housing 
        voucher described in paragraph (1) but who have been unable to 
        attain permanent housing.
            (3) The number of available housing vouchers described in 
        paragraph (1) that are unused.
            (4) The number of veterans who were discharged from 
        transitional housing provided using amounts provided under 
        sections 2061 and 2012 of title 38, United States Code, and did 
        not transition to permanent housing due to a shortage of--
                    (A) case managers under the program described in 
                paragraph (1);
                    (B) housing vouchers described in such paragraph; 
                or
                    (C) housing that meets the requirements and 
                limitations with respect to such vouchers.
    (c) Disaggregation.--The contents of the report described in 
subsection (b) shall be disaggregated by housing serving individuals 
and families with a household income that does not exceed--
            (1) the area median income;
            (2) 80 percent of the area median income;
            (3) 50 percent of the area median income; and
            (4) 30 percent of the area median income.
                                 <all>