This bill expands a federal program that provides housing and support services to very low-income veteran families. Currently, the program only helps veterans and their families, but this bill extends those same benefits to former members of the National Guard and military Reserve components who have completed their service.

Specifically, the bill changes the definition of who qualifies for these supportive services. Now eligible families include not just active-duty veterans, but also former National Guard and Reserve members who have retired or separated after completing their enlistment. This covers both single former service members and families where either the head of household or their spouse is a former Guard or Reserve member. The program provides assistance with housing, food, and other essential services to help people avoid homelessness and hardship.

To support this expansion, the bill dedicates $50 million for fiscal year 2024 specifically to help these newly eligible National Guard and Reserve families. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Defense to study and report on food and housing insecurity among current National Guard and Reserve members, starting within a year of the law taking effect. This research will help policymakers understand the scope of the problem and potentially inform future support programs.