WASHINGTON, DC — On Wednesday, May 20, 2015, the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) will convene stakeholders on Capitol Hill for a dialogue about the current state of veterans in Rural America and how the public and private sectors can best support them. To further inform the community, HAC will provide essential information on rural veterans’ social, economic, and housing situations. Panelists from non-profit organizations, federal agencies, Congressional offices, state and local government, and corporate philanthropy will discuss both best practices and public and private resources available to better serve veterans in rural areas.

“Rural Americans have a long history of serving our country,” said Moises Loza, Executive Director of the Housing Assistance Council. “Now we must as a nation serve them—no matter where they live. HAC is committed to ensuring our rural veterans have robust services available to them.”

Since 2013 HAC has provided grants worth more than $575,000 to 16 organizations to repair, preserve, or develop veteran housing in rural areas thanks to the generous support of The Home Depot Foundation. Veterans living in rural areas are more likely to live in older, single-family homes. As they grow older, this rural veteran population will need more assistance to make modifications to maintain livable homes.

At the symposium, HAC will provide data and information that policymakers and advocates can use to inform the future of services for rural veterans. Among these important facts is that rural veterans face unique barriers when accessing services such as traveling long distances which can be problematic for aging and disabled veterans.

Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) will provide symposium attendees a congressional perspective on the situation of veterans in Rural America. Senator Isakson is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and a veteran of the Georgia Air National Guard. Additional congressional perspectives are expected throughout the symposium.

This symposium is made possible due to the support of The Home Depot Foundation. Over the past four years, The Home Depot Foundation has invested more than $90 million to non-profits serving veterans.

Members of the media are welcome to attend the symposium and meet with attendees and organizers. The symposium begins with breakfast at 8:30 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM on May 20, 2015. Contact Lauren Jenkins (ljenkins@scoutcommsusa.com, 202-596-5669) for more information.

About the Housing Assistance Council
A national nonprofit corporation headquartered in Washington, D.C., and founded in 1971, the Housing Assistance Council helps local organizations build affordable homes in rural America by providing below-market financing, technical assistance, research, training and information services. HAC’s programs focus on local solutions, empowerment of the poor, reduced dependency, and self-help strategies. HAC is an equal opportunity lender.