The New Jersey Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee has approved Senator Kristin Corrado’s bipartisan legislation to provide additional support to homeless veterans in counties lacking veterans shelters.

The New Jersey Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation to provide additional support to homeless veterans in counties lacking veterans shelters. (Flickr)

“No veteran, especially those who have fallen on hard times, deserve to sleep on the streets,” said Corrado (R-40). “I am committed to ensuring these brave men and women have the access to necessary support in counties that currently do not have structures in place to provide shelter. Helping our most vulnerable veterans get back on their feet is the least we can do to thank them for their service to our nation.”

Corrado’s legislation, S-52, would require the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs to award grants to certain southern New Jersey counties to provide veterans with improved access to homeless shelters.

Under the bill, Atlantic County, Cape May County, and Cumberland County may submit applications to the Adjutant General proposing locations for homeless veterans shelters.

“Due to mobility issues, homeless veterans’ access to resources is often limited by their geographic location,” added Corrado. “When conditions, such as inclement weather, require veterans to seek out temporary shelter, too often they find themselves isolated from shelters and other facilities that can best suit their needs. This bill would result in the development of shelters in communities that need them.”