Stabenow, Peters Announce $697,125 Federal Investment for Grand Rapids Home for Veterans

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced a $697,125 federal investment at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The funding will go towards installing emergency generators and a hot water system. This is in addition to a previously announced $446,875 federal investment for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans which will install an anti-wander and security system.

"America's veterans have made great sacrifices in defense of our country, and we owe them our unwavering support," said Senator Stabenow. "Today's announcement means that our veterans in Grand Rapids will have better access to the reliable services they need and deserve."

"We must keep the promises we've made to our servicemembers after their military service , and ensuring facilities that house America's veterans have up-to-date equipment is vital," said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. "I'm proud to announce this investment that will further support the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, which serves veterans from across West Michigan."

The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans stretches across 90 acres and provides critical long-term care to veterans, from rehabilitation therapy to spiritual, social, recreational and educational activities. The facility hosts 450 nursing care beds and more than 100 domiciliary beds. The nursing care beds include 115 special needs beds, with two 35-bed nursing units for the care of Alzheimer's and dementia patients and one 45-bed nursing unit for dual diagnoses patients.

For years, Senator Stabenow has led the fight to make sure they have access to the care and resources they need. She has led efforts to bring VA clinics to Michigan so veterans don't have to drive hundreds of miles to receive medical treatment. In recent years, new clinics have opened in Alpena, Bad Axe, Cadillac, Clare, Grayling, and Mackinaw City.

Senator Peters has been a strong voice for Michigan service members and veterans in Congress. Earlier this year, Peters cosponsored the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation that was signed into law by the President earlier this year to provide additional resources to improve mental health care and suicide prevention programs for veterans.