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Managing America: Veterans

TheWeekInCongress.com (TM)

Week Ending May 11, 2006

H.R.1642 Homeless Veterans Housing at Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center Promotion Act.

The VHA (Veteran’s Health Administration) is authorized to sign an enhanced-use lease for the department facility called the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center to be used as a homeless housing project with conditions on use. The VHA is likely to establish limited-liability company or partnership with property developers to renovate, build, operate and maintain the facility.

Tenants must be veterans only and the facility must be operated as a sober living facility. It must be adequately staffed with health care, counseling and security personnel in an appropriate staff-resident ratio that protects residents and the surrounding community.

The bill comes at a time when the VHA is finalizing a deal to manage the facility with New Directions, Inc. but it is determined that New Directions can not meet the conditions of this bill. The Secretary, then is authorized to essentially shop for the best arrangement with another organization. Any other negotiation requires that the facility must house between 150 and 225 residents. If a lease can not be entered into, a lease for a smaller facility is authorized.

Sponsor:  Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA-27^th)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote May 7, 2007

Cost to the taxpayers: Expenses are expected to be offset by lease payments from the private sector partner.

Earmark Certification:   Depends on whether the process for selecting a partner follows the competitive selection process.

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