Funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs will boost a West Virginia program that helps veterans that need financial assistance.

The $1.1 million will help the West Virginia Community Action Partnership (WVCAP) support veterans specifically facing COVID-19-related difficulties, according to WVNS-TV.

“This funding helps us address the needs of homeless veterans and those in shelters, helping them get into permanent housing,” WVCAP Executive Director Mary Chipps said.

The program usually operates on about $2 million a year, Chipps said. The additional funding will be allocated toward housing over the next three months to ensure veterans and their families are able to make housing payments.

“With this additional funding, no West Virginia veteran who is willing to accept assistance should be on the streets or in a shelter,” said Leah Willis, who manages the organization’s veterans support service. “The program also helps veterans in danger of becoming homeless. It’s just a matter of getting information out there about services that are available.

Photo by Larry Downing/ Reuters