FOR RELEASE:  October 29, 2002

HOMELESS VETERANS RECEIVE HAND UP
EVANS-SPONSORED MEASURE BEGINS PROVIDING BENEFITS 

Washington, DC -- Congressman Lane Evans (D-IL) today praised actions taken by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to obtain surplus property for homeless veterans from the Department of Defense (DoD).  Evans, a senior member of both the House VA and DoD Committees, had sponsored a legislative provision to give VA a priority for obtaining surplus property from DoD for homeless veterans.  Evans reported VA’s Operation New Hope completed its first order to DoD for excess property using the Defense Reutilization & Marketing (DRMS) MILSTRIP Request program.  Evans’ provision which provided VA a priority in obtaining DoD excess property for homeless veterans was authorized by Public Law 107-107, Section 361. 

“I am pleased to announce that yesterday, three weeks before Veterans Day, Operation New Hope has placed this historic order for sleeping bags, parkas, winter overalls, and other clothing items that will be provided to veterans in need,” stated Evans.  “This order from Operation New Hope, with a value of almost $240,000, is a good example of DoD/VA Sharing that provides needed items to veterans who are homeless,” Evans continued. 

DoD’s DRMS program disposes of excess property received from the military services.  The inventory changes daily and includes thousands of items, such as clothing, sleeping bags, and other items used for distribution to other federal agencies and approved private entities. VA’s Operation New Hope, a program begun in 1996, acquires, stores and distributes items nationwide to organizations assisting homeless veterans.   

“Along with this first-of-its-kind order, Operation New Hope is also warehousing and distributing clothing and supplies worth over $15 million to Stand Down events throughout the country,” Evans added.  “Operation New Hope, which also employs homeless veterans, is giving homeless veterans a hand up.” 

“This is a win-win situation.  Homeless veterans are receiving warm clothing, boots, and outerwear, while other veterans are taking advantage of the program’s employment opportunities.  Now, through Operation New Hope, veterans can continue the struggle to regain their self respect and dignity,” Representative Evans concluded.

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