Today, U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, applauded the decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award First at Blue Ridge, Inc. in Ridgecrest, North Carolina, more than $125,000 to establish housing and support services for homeless veterans.

The VA estimates that last year, the grants helped reduce the number of veterans who are homeless on a typical night by 15 percent.

"Helping homeless veterans get off the street and back on their feet is our obligation, and these grants are an important step in that direction," Burr said. "I congratulate First at Blue Ridge on being chosen for this funding, and I appreciate their contributions to the community."