Oregon Lawmakers Urge Federal Funding For Proposed Roseburg Veterans’ Home

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Four members of Oregon's congressional delegation are urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize funding for a proposed state veterans' home in Roseburg, renewing efforts to bring additional long-term care options to veterans in Douglas County and throughout Southern Oregon.

U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Cliff Bentz and Val Hoyle, announced the bipartisan effort Tuesday, November 10, ahead of Veterans Day.

In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, the lawmakers called for federal support for two projects: construction of the proposed Roseburg State Veterans' Home and renovations to the Edward C. Allworth Veterans' Home in Lebanon.

"Continued investment in Oregon’s veterans’ care infrastructure is essential to meet the needs of our state’s geographically diverse veteran population, particularly in rural Oregon," the lawmakers wrote.

A Proposed Home For Southern Oregon Veterans

Douglas County is home to an estimated 10,000 veterans, according to figures cited by the lawmakers. Many served during the Vietnam War era or earlier, creating an ongoing need for long-term care services as the veteran population ages.

The proposed Roseburg facility would provide another option for veterans who need long-term nursing care and related services.

According to the congressional delegation, the facility could serve veterans throughout the VA Southern Oregon Healthcare System's service area, which includes an estimated 68,000 veterans.

That service area extends beyond Douglas County to Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lake counties in Oregon, along with Siskiyou and Del Norte counties in Northern California.

Oregon currently operates two state veterans' homes, located in The Dalles and Lebanon. These facilities provide skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care and rehabilitation services to eligible veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents.

The proposed Roseburg home would expand the state's existing veterans' care system by adding a facility in Southern Oregon.

Lawmakers Seek Funding For Two Projects

In addition to the Roseburg proposal, the congressional delegation is requesting support for renovations to the Edward C. Allworth Veterans' Home in Lebanon, an existing 154-bed facility.

Both projects are part of the lawmakers' request for the VA to fully fund its Priority 1 State Home Construction List.

The delegation is asking the federal agency to work with Congress to make funding available for projects identified as priorities.

"We support efforts to fully fund the Priority 1 list and urge the VA to work quickly in coordination with Congress to make that funding a reality," the lawmakers wrote.

The announcement does not represent approval of construction funding for the Roseburg facility. Federal funding remains a key step before the proposed project can move forward.

Roseburg Project Remains In Early Stages

The proposed Roseburg State Veterans' Home has received congressional support in previous years.

Merkley, Wyden and Hoyle previously urged the VA to prioritize the project, including through a letter in April 2025. The three lawmakers also advocated for federal support in June 2024.

The latest request adds Congressman Cliff Bentz to the group of lawmakers calling for funding.

Despite those efforts, the project remains in the preliminary stages of preconstruction, according to the November 10 announcement.

The release did not provide an updated construction timeline, anticipated opening date or total project cost.

For now, the congressional delegation is focused on securing the federal funding needed to advance the proposal.

The lawmakers concluded their letter by emphasizing the importance of cooperation between federal and state officials to expand access to veterans' care.

The November 10 announcement comes as communities across Oregon observe Veterans Day and recognize those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Source: Joint November 10, 2026, announcement from the offices of Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Representatives Cliff Bentz and Val Hoyle. Read the official announcement