From: Mendoza, Cody
To: [email protected]
Subject: Supplemental Communication for 11/21/23 Council Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 1:36:15 PM
Attachments: HB Vet Letter.pdf
Good afternoon,
Please see attached letter from Congresswoman Porter’s office regarding item 23-1020 on tonight's council agenda.
With appreciation,
Cody Mendoza | (he/him)
District Director
Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-47)
2151 Michelson Drive, Suite 195 | Irvine, CA, 92612
Office Phone: (949) 668-6600
November 21, 2023
Huntington Beach City Council
Huntington Beach City Hall
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Dear Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tem Van Der Mark, and Councilmembers,
On behalf of Congresswoman Katie Porter, who proudly represents the City of Huntington Beach in the U.S. House of Representatives, I write in response to item 23-1020 submitted by Councilmember Moser. Focusing on ways that resources can address veteran homelessness in the community, our office greatly appreciates Councilmember Moser’s item, and we look forward to working with Huntington Beach officials to collaborate and advocate for our veterans.
Congresswoman Porter honors our servicemembers’ sacrifices by fighting to make sure that veterans and their families are taken care of both when they serve and when they return home.
Congresswoman Porter has been a champion of legislation that takes care of our veterans, especially those who were injured during their time in service. She was proud to co-sponsor the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021, which was signed into law and is actively helping as many as
3.5 million veterans get the treatment that they need for respiratory illnesses related to burn pits.
Congresswoman Porter has also led efforts for mental health care for servicemembers and their families, helping to lead the VA Governors Challenge Expansion Act and successfully advocating for increased funding for veteran mental health care programs. The Congresswoman has also fought to protect veterans from financial exploitation, releasing a report on predatory practices within the VA Home Loan program and introducing the VA Home Loan Transparency and Consumer Protection Act of 2022.
Congresswoman Porter believes that we must also provide for veterans who are facing housing insecurity or experiencing homelessness. Broadly, she continues to push at the federal level for an effective and affordable permanent housing model that offers voluntary support services, like health care and employment assistance. Specific to our veteran community, Congresswoman Porter has called for increased funding for several important existing programs that aim to help prevent homelessness in America. Those programs include:
1. The Healthcare for the Homeless Veterans Program, which performs outreach to identify veterans experiencing homelessness and assist them in accessing health care benefits,
2. The Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem, which promotes the development of transitional housing and services to help veterans achieve residential stability,
3. The Domiciliary Care for Homeness Veterans Program, which provides structured and supportive residential rehabilitation and treatment services for economically disadvantaged veterans,
4. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, which provides funding for very low-income veteran families who are in or transitioning to permanent housing,
5. Increased funding for case managers for the HUD-VASH Program, who work with veterans experiencing homelessness to address their multifaceted needs.
Our office stands ready to discuss these and other programs that will help address homelessness within our veteran community. In addition to Congresswoman Porter’s legislative work, our Constituent Services team can assist individuals who are experiencing difficulty or delay with a federal agency. Though we cannot guarantee a favorable outcome or override the decisions made by a federal agency, we can get questions answered, help find solutions, or help cut through the red tape. Information on constituent services can be found at porter.house.gov/services/casework.
I look forward to being in discussion with Huntington Beach officials to assist our veteran community and appreciate the opportunity to discuss this item. Should you have any questions, please contact me directly by phone at 949-668-6600 and by email at [email protected].
With appreciation,
Cody Mendoza
District Director
Congresswoman Katie Porter