LIBRARY OF CONGRESS SUMMARY

The summary below was written by the Congressional Research Service, which is a nonpartisan division of the Library of Congress.11/15/2001. Encourages all Federal, State, and local departments and agencies and other entities and individuals to work toward the national goal of ending homelessness among veterans within a decade.Section 4 -Establishes within the Department of Veterans Affairs the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. Requires the Committee to: (1) report annually to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on Department programs and activities that relate to homeless veterans; and (2) include with each report an evaluation of Department homeless veterans outreach activities. Requires the Secretary to transmit such reports to the congressional veterans' committees.Section 5 -Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to require the Interagency Council on the Homeless to meet no less often than annually.Section 6 -Directs the Secretary to: (1) support the continuation within the Department of at least one center to monitor the structure, process, and outcome of Department programs addressing homeless veterans; (2) report annually to Congress on the programs and activities of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in processing claims for benefits of homeless veterans; and (3) report annually to Congress on Department programs addressing health care needs of homeless veterans.Section 7 -Amends the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992 to increase the per diem rates paid to State veterans' homes for domiciliary care.Section 8 -Authorizes homeless veterans to receive dental care as part of medical care furnished through the Department.Section 9 -Authorizes the Secretary to expend up to $55 million annually to carry out the transitional housing grant and per diem provider programs. Requires the Department to establish at least five additional comprehensive homeless veterans service centers in metropolitan areas of greatest need. Extends through December 31, 2006, the chronically mentally ill veterans and comprehensive homeless programs.Section 10 -Authorizes the Secretary to allow homeless veterans receiving care through vocational rehabilitation programs to participate in the compensated work therapy program.Allows veterans participating in the latter program to receive housing through the therapeutic residence program.Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans' committees on the assignment of homeless coordinators at VHA regional offices.Requires each disabled veterans outreach program specialist to coordinate employment services and training assistance provided to veterans by entities receiving grants under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.Section 11 -Requires that the real property of grantees under the Department's homeless grant and per diem program meet applicable fire and safety requirements.Section 12 -Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of technical assistance grants to nonprofit community-based groups with experience in providing assistance to homeless veterans. Authorizes appropriations.Section 13 -Extends through FY 2006 the homeless veterans reintegration program.