 |
| State Senator Tim Nangle |
Every November, we gather in town halls, American Legion posts and school gymnasiums to honor the men and women who served our country. We thank them for their courage. We talk about sacrifice, duty and service. These ceremonies are some of the most meaningful moments I’ve had the honor of attending as your State Senator. But as meaningful as those ceremonies are, gratitude is not measured in speeches or parades alone. It’s measured in what we do — especially when a veteran needs help keeping a roof over their head.
That’s why I’ve introduced a bill for the upcoming legislative session to make sure Maine veterans can stay in their homes and avoid falling into homelessness. It’s called “An Act to Keep Maine Veterans Housed,” and its goal is simple: to strengthen the local partnerships that are already keeping veterans stably housed, especially at a time when federal programs are being cut or delayed nationwide.
This bill would stabilize and support the Veterans Flex Fund. This small, targeted program delivers precisely the kind of timely assistance that makes the difference between a veteran keeping their home or losing it. The Flex Fund is a collaborative effort led by Preble Street and the Maine Homeless Veterans Action Committee, which includes the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, Volunteers of America, Vets Inc., Bread of Life Ministries, and others. The Veterans Flex Fund is one of the most effective examples we have of federal, state and community partners working together to make sure veterans aren’t left behind when life takes a difficult turn.
Over the past few years, through my work in Augusta and the many conversations I’ve had across our communities, I’ve heard veterans describe how close the line can be between stability and crisis. Sometimes, it’s a gap between jobs or an unanticipated rent increase.
Veterans are often reluctant to ask for help. Many will exhaust every other option before reaching out. By the time they get in touch with a service provider, they’re usually facing a very specific barrier, such as a security deposit they can’t cover, an overdue rent payment or a landlord who needs reassurance before offering a lease.
Those are the moments where the Flex Fund has proven its value. It’s built for exactly these situations: small amounts of support that resolve the final obstacle keeping a veteran safely housed. And because it is administered by providers who understand both the housing landscape and the needs of veterans, that help can be provided quickly.
Some have asked why the state should play a role if federal resources are inconsistent. My answer is simple: because these are Maine veterans. Because homelessness is often preventable with the right support at the right time. And because the consequences for a veteran losing stable housing are far greater than the modest investment it takes to help them keep it.
The Legislative Council approved my bill for introduction, with every Democratic member voting in favor. I wish that vote had been unanimous; supporting veterans is not a partisan cause, it is a commitment we all share.
When lawmakers return to Augusta in January, I’ll be asking colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill because keeping veterans housed is one of the most direct and effective steps we can take to honor their service and uphold a promise that should never be broken.
Our veterans stood up for us. Now it’s our turn to stand up for them.
For the latest, follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorTimNangle, sign up for my e-newsletter at mainesenate.org, or contact me directly at Tim.Nangle@legislature.maine.gov. You can also call the Senate Majority Office at 207-287-1515.
The opinions in this column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of The Windham Eagle newspaper ownership or its staff. <
No comments:
Post a Comment