Congresswoman Kat Cammack Secures Continued Housing for Homeless Veterans in Ocala and Gainesville

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today announced that veterans experiencing homelessness in Ocala and Gainesville will keep their housing after she worked directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs to secure a new contract for Volunteers of America. Beginning October 1, the VA's Contract Emergency Residential Services (CERS) program will fund 36 beds at the Ritz Veterans Village in Ocala and 18 beds in Gainesville, part of 102 beds across North Florida. The facilities' previous VA funding was set to expire September 30.

When Volunteers of America contacted Congresswoman Cammack's office for help, she immediately called VA Secretary Doug Collins. Her district team then worked with VA leadership to confirm the new contract ahead of the October 1 transition.

"No veteran who wore this country's uniform should have to wonder where they'll sleep next month. The moment we heard these men were at risk, our team went to work, and we didn't let up until this was done," said Congresswoman Cammack. "They deserve a roof over their heads and a system that has their back. I'm grateful to the VA for working with us and to Volunteers of America for the work they do every day."

"The office of Congresswoman Kat Cammack was critical for the success of obtaining alternative new funding. Thanks to her strong advocacy and commitment to serve our homeless veterans, we are now able to offer our veterans a safe place to rest and heal," said Janet Stringfellow, President and CEO ofVolunteers of America of Florida.

“In Marion County, honoring our veterans means showing up for them when they need us most. Keeping Ritz Veterans Village open means a veteran has a safe place to sleep, people to lean on and a chance to move forward with dignity,” said Carl Zalak III, Chairman, Marion County Board of County Commissioners. “We’re deeply grateful to Volunteers of America, Congresswoman Kat Cammack and everyone who worked to keep that hope alive. Our veterans stood for us, and this community will continue standing for them.”

“I would like to personally thank Congresswoman Kat Cammack and her staff for taking the lead in helping secure funding for Volunteers of America,” said Jim Hilty, Ocala City Councilman. “The funding had been lost due to an administrative error. This was no small feat and as chairman of the local Vets Helping Vets we now have places to place some vulnerable Veterans. This not only restored funding in Ocala but Gainesville and Tallahassee as well.”

Veterans who need assistance can contact Congresswoman Cammack's office at 352-505-0838.

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