(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded an announcement made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Eric K. Shinseki that a supportive housing project for homeless veterans and their families will be developed in Vancouver. Through the Building Utilization Review and Repurposing (BURR) initiative, the VA was able to identify unused and underused buildings at VA properties in Vancouver that will be developed into new housing opportunities for veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan and homeless veterans and their families.  

“I’m so pleased that veterans and their families in Vancouver will have new opportunities to get off the streets and into safe and stable homes,” said Senator Murray. “This is an important step forward in our effort to end veteran homelessness and will greatly assist veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan make a smoother transition home.”

A recent joint report published by the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and VA, estimates that there are nearly 2,000 homeless veterans in Washington state, and over 75,000 nationwide.